political science

noun

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

political science

noun

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

political science

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.

Other Word Forms

• political scientist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of political science¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

As counterintuitive as it may seem, political science shows that would-be dictators need strong public support, especially early in the regimes.

From Salon

In many ways, Minneapolis’ mayoral race is a microcosm of the Democratic National Committee’s battle for definition post-2024 election, according to David Schultz, a professor of political science at Hamline University in Minnesota.

From Salon

The speech was rooted in “an American First foreign policy,” observed Paul Poast, an associate professor of political science at the University of Chicago and a nonresident fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

From Salon

He majored in political science at the University of Wisconsin and received a law degree from the University of Chicago.

From Los Angeles Times

Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri, said that from the time of Bailey’s appointment to the position in January 2023, he probably had only two audiences.

From Salon

Related Words

• civics