political science

American  

noun

1. a social science dealing with political institutions and with the principles and conduct of government.

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political science British  

noun

1. (esp as an academic subject) the study of the state, government, and politics: one of the social sciences

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political science Cultural  

1. The systematic study of government and politics. Political science is a social science that makes generalizations and analyses about political systems and political behavior and uses these results to predict future behavior. Political science includes the study of political philosophy, ethics, international relations and foreign policy, public administration, and the dynamic relations between different parts of governments.

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Other Word Forms

• political scientist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of political science

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

But it was his interest in political science that left an impression on his teachers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

"Some sectors have taken radical positions, but others are mobilizing out of frustration following the expectations they had for Paz," said analyst and political science professor Daniel Valverde.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Pratt earned his political science degree at the University of Southern California but hasn’t held public office.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“They’re still Democratic, but some of the voters are different,” said Christian Grose, a professor of political science and public policy at USC.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

She was one of my favorite teachers, a tiny dark passionate woman with circles under her eyes who taught political science.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

• civics