Unit 1

1.Introduction
Politics exists everywhere. It is all-pervading and as old as human beings. Politics
prevails in every sphere of human life. Whether one likes or not virtually no one is
completely beyond the reach of some kind of political system. Political science is a
social science and like other social science it revolves around man and his social
(Political) environment. Being one of the oldest social sciences its nature and scope of
the study have undergone several changes over the centuries. Political Science first
began with the Greeks. The term ‘Politics’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which
means ‘city-states’ and each city in those days was an independent state, a
principality in its own right. E.g. Athens, Sparta, Corinth etc. Aristotle is regarded as a
“father of Political science” on account of his far reaching and permanent contribution
to the field of politics. He called politics the Master Science because politics
determines the environment within which every person will organize his life. No one
can escape from the parameters set by politics. In his famous book Politics Aristotle
wrote, “Man is by nature a Political Animal and he who is by nature or by accident is
without state is either above humanity or below it.” Politics is the control room of all
human activities.

Definitions of Political Science:

The word politics has different interpretations. Definitions of politics vary according to
the variety of activities that have been considered political from time to time.

Early Definitions or Traditional View of Politics:

• According to the traditional political scientist from the early part of 20th century
such as J W Garner, Henry Sidgwick, R G Gettel and others Politics deals mainly with
study of state and government or related institutions.

• R G Gettel defined politics as the study of the state in the past, present and future,
of political organization and political function, of political institutions and political
theories.

• According to Laski "the study of politics concerns itself with the life of man in
relation to organized states.”
 • According to Garner, “Political science begins and ends with state.”

• According to Leacock, “Political science deals with government.”

Thus from above definitions it is clear that the traditional view of politics was narrow, static
and limited and included only the study of state and government, its structure and
organisation etc. Modern View of Political Science

Modern View of Political Science:

In the beginning of the 20th century there developed a new way of looking at political
science. This new approach is known as behavioural approach. The main thrust of the new
view is the treatment of politics as an activity and a process. In this context, new definitions
emerged.

scope of Political Science

As I said before, it is a dynamic and social science. That’s why it’s scope or subject
matter is always changing.

Until the nineteenth century, its field of discussion was state-centered. At present,
the state and any other issues that touch people’s political life are included in the
discussion of political science.

So the Scope of political science can be divided into two categories.

1. State-Centric
2. Non-State-Centric
State-Centric discussion

The state is the ultimate expression of socialized life. People’s political life
revolves around the state. As a result, the personality of the socialized people
develops, and peaceful social life is possible. So there is no doubt that the state is
the central subject of political science.

1. Study of Government

This state was again embodied through the government. The state cannot be
imagined without the government. The state fulfilled its goals through the
government. So the discussion of the state as well as the government becomes
necessary.

2. Study of the history of the State

The idea of the present state remains incomplete if we do not discuss the history
of the state. In the context of the past and present discussion of the state, it is
necessary to see how this institution evolved from the past to the present.

3. Study of Laws
In addition to the state and the government, laws enacted by the government are
also included in the discussion of political science. The government passes laws
on behalf of the state and maintains peace. So the discussion of law is another
matter of political science.

4. Study of International Relations and International laws

At present, the interaction between the citizen and the state is influenced by
multiple issues. The flow of international events affects national life.

So, it also deals with international relations and international laws. It includes
international organizations like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund,
and The World Bank.

5. Study of theoretical and applied political science

Theoretical discussions of political science are about the origin, nature, ideology,
independence, law, etc. of the state.

On the other hand, the classification of government, functions, legislation,

functions of political institutions, international customs, treaties, and diplomacy
are the main topics of applied discussion in it.

Non-State-Centric Discussion
Modern political scientists think that at present political science deals not only
with the state but with non-governmental organizations and individuals or
groups of political activities, pressure groups, etc. So let’s discuss this in detail.

1. Study of Influence and Influential

The study of politics is the study of influence and the influential.

Lasswell
Many times a person is getting others to work on what he wants. In this case, the
person who did it is called influential and the power of the influential is called
influence.

Similarly, a special relationship between an individual, a group, an organization,

and a state is called influence.

influence is a relation among actors in which one actor induces other

actors to act in some way they would not otherwise act.

Robart Dahl
In modern times many political scientists have emphasized influence as a subject
of political science. The tendency of behavioral statesmen is particularly observed.
According to them, the influential people of society control the distribution of
goods or values.

And this is exactly the reason why it is necessary to discuss political science with
influence and influential.

2. Study of Conflict and Disagreement

Conflict lies at the heart of politics. In a world of universal agreement,

there would be no room for it.

J.D.B Miller
Disagreements and disputes create politics. That means the political situation is
created when the work on which there is disagreement is organized. And that is
when the law needs to be created and enacted.

According to eminent scientists, politics prevails when there is disagreement. And

politics is about resolving that conflict.

So it can be said that it also deals with the conflict and disagreements which are
occurred in any society and finding out the resolution of those conflicts.

3. Study of Authoritative Allocation of Values

According to Political scientist David Easton, it deals with the authoritative

allocation of values. “Political Science be described as the study of the authoritative
allocation of values for society”.
Here are three words in the above sentence. These are Value, Allocation, and
Authoritative.

The word value here refers to the needs and wants of socialized people. What is
valuable to a person is what he needs. It is not possible to meet all the needs of
all people in any society because every society has a shortage of resources.
So it meets the needs of some people. Conflict begins among members of
society to meet their own needs. Conflict resolution is needed to prevent social
crises as a result of this conflict.

Society has to constantly decide how much car needs to be met on the basis of
limited resources. That is, in Easton’s language, how the value will be fixed or how
its allocation will be.
Authority makes this important decision for society. The process of making this
decision by the authority is called the allocation of values.
4. Study of Political Dynamics
The study of political dynamics is very important because it deals with the current
forces at work in government and politics. It includes the study of political
parties, pressure groups, public opinion, lobbies, etc.

Importance of Political Science

The study of political science is very important and significant in this socio-
economic-political society. By studying it people can know how and why the state
is organized and why its constitution is justified.

It makes people more conscious about their rights and duties. Those who know
political science, always take useful part in social and political affairs.

Robert Dahl rightly said that “A citizen encounters politics in the government of a
country, town, school, church, business firm, trade union, club, political party, civic
association and a host of organizations. Politics is one of the unavoidable facts of
human existence. Everyone is involved in some fashion at some time in some kind
of political system.”
After knowing about the meaning nature and scope of political science, you have
realized some basic points which tell you why to study it. or what is the

importance of political science?

1. Understand Citizenship

It enables you to understand the relationship between an individual or citizen

and the state. Citizen participates in the decision-making process of governance
in the name of election and forms a government under which they are governed.

2. Know the Political Thoughts and Ideas of the Eminent Political

Thinkers

We are influenced by the ideas of political thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes,
Karl Marx, etc. and it helps us to understand the present political problem and
allow us to find out the solution to those problems.

3. Make Citizen Conscious of Their Rights and Duties

I have already said that it allows us to understand our rights and duties in the
society we live. Rights are the most important aspect of any individual.

Rights are the one that helps individuals to grow in terms of their talent. Besides
this, it also tells citizens about their duties to society.
4. Understands Recent Trends in the World

It also allows us to understand the current trends in the world. By the study of
political science, we can search for what is happening around us. This is the era of
globalization. And globalization affects our daily life but how? To solve this
question we have to study it.

5. Understand the Role of Government, Political Parties, and

Pressure Groups

What should be the role of a political party and how do pressure groups affect
the decision-making process of the government?
It gives you clear ideas of these questions that help you to understand how the
government is formed, what’s your role in the decision-making process of the
government, etc.

So it can be said that a modern man cannot be perfect without knowing facts
about political science. In simple importance it is precious. It improves our living
standards.

Conclusion
After a long discussion on the Meaning Nature and Scope of Political Science, it
can be concluded that it is the branch of social science in which we study the
state, government, political theory, politics, political institutions, the life of
political man, international relations, laws and organizations, influence and
influential, authoritative allocation of values, etc.

So it can be said that it is a dynamic science which means the nature and scope
of political science are extensive and always changeable. It empowers us to think
differently about our society as a political as well as a social animal.

Relationship between political science and other social science

The relationship between different social sciences has been discussed since
ancient times, but the behaviourist movement that emerged after the First World
War started a new revolution in these relations. The relationship between various
social sciences is being discussed because man's social life is such a bound unit
that cannot be separated from the various aspects of life. At present, much
importance is being given to the method of interdisciplinary study under political
science. Due to the importance given to this method, some new branches of
knowledge have emerged, such as political psychology, political economics,
political sociology, etc.

A few years ago, the 'Social Science Research Council' was formed by the scholars
of America. This council has started studying all the social sciences by binding
them as a single unit. As a result of this process, the relation of political science
with other social sciences has become more intimate.

Relationship between Political Science and Economics

There is a very close relationship between political science and economics.
Ancient writers consider economics to be a branch of political science. Greek
thinkers called it 'political economics' or political economy. The famous book
'Arthashastra' by Chanakya Kautilya is the best book on politics. Similarly, in
Aristotle's second article on 'Politics and Locke' on civil administration, those
subjects have been explained and considered the subject matter of economics.

According to Shri Gurumukh Nihasingh, "In the early days, economics was
considered a branch of political science, and the subject of its study was to get
revenue for the state. It was called 'political economics' rather than 'domestic
economics.''

Marxists claim that economic elements determine social and political institutions;
economic goals give pace and form to our lives. Although this statement is not
completely acceptable because there are many other driving forces in life apart
from 'money,' no one can object to believing that economic conditions have a
very profound effect on life.

Political and economic conditions are closely related to each other, and they form
a close relationship between political science and economics. Political life cannot
be happy when the economic system is weakened. Political democracy is proving
to be futile in the absence of economic democracy. Economic growth and
prosperity are the keys to political development. Economic discontent gives rise
to political revolutions. Social and political justice cannot be established without
economic justice.

Although political science and economics have been considered separate

subjects in modern times, political science and economics are related to each
other. Both are related to humans. The main aim of both the scriptures is human
welfare. The economic welfare of human beings is impossible in conditions of
unrest and anarchy; therefore, it is an essential duty of the state to establish
peace and order.

Getill says, "Economic conditions influence the organisation, development, and

activities of the state, and in response, states change economic conditions by
their laws."
Garner's statement is meaningful and close to reality, "The principle of total
government administration is economic."
The political science of economics
1. Rise and Development of State Institutions

This has happened as a result of economic conditions. The establishment of huge

states has been possible due to economic activities. According to Karl Marx,
"Economic conditions determine the nature of social life in an era.

2. Political events result from economic activities

Many political events in the world have happened due to economic activities. In
1935, when the republican government of Spain tried to pass a law in the interest
of the working class, the feudal, clergy, and military class dissolved the republican
government. In 1922, due to the deplorable economic condition of Italy, a
dictatorship was established. The rise of Hitler and the start of World War II
resulted from a severe economic recession in 1930.

3. The policy of the state depends on the economic conditions themselves

Impact of Economics on Political Science

Economics is an independent socio-discipline, but it has a close relationship with
political science. The main aim of both the scriptures is human welfare. The
economic well-being of human beings is impossible in conditions of unrest and
anarchy. Therefore, establishing peace and order is an essential duty of the state.

The development of the state has happened only as a result of economic

conditions. The establishment of huge national states has been possible only
because of economic activities. Karl Marx believed that economic conditions
determine the nature of the entire social life in an era.

Relationship between Political Science and Sociology

Sociology is called the father of other social sciences. It is a social science in
which all the basic subjects of social life are studied, related to the gradual
development of human beings. It studies the origin of society, its development,
social customs, etc. It includes all aspects of political, social, economic, religious,
etc. Therefore it can be said that sociology is the father of all social sciences.

Dependence of Political Science on Sociology

Political Science and Sociology are complementary to each other. It is clear as
follows--

1. sociological elements bind Political Science

Sociology deals with the racial, caste, religious and political aspects of human life,
so political science cannot ignore sociology. The state or government has no
existence apart from sociology. Sociology states that the development of state
institutions results from some natural tendencies of human beings. These
tendencies have got their strength mainly from blood relations, unity of religious
beliefs, economic needs, and war and victory. The study of sociology also shows
that in the beginning, the form of the states was very simple, but gradually their
form and scope of work kept on increasing. Adam Smith and Karl Marx made the
basis of their study of social structure. The study of political institutions in the
modern era by Richard Tawny, Max Weber (1864–1920), Roberto Michels (1876–
1936), Wilfredo Pareto (1848–1923), and Emile Durkheim (1858–1919), Mosca,
Karlmannheim Lasvale and David Easton, The subject matter of sociology, has
been successfully used for He has explained in detail, “What is the relation of
religion with capitalism, how does working-class influence politics, how power is
related to politics and how the structure of a society affects voting. To
understand the behaviour, we have to know mainly these problems arising from
urbanisation, educated unemployment, increase in the labour force, and facilities
related to water, electricity, health, education, etc. Similarly, rural politics should
be treated with caste and religious differences, and Agriculture can be better
understood regarding land ownership.

2. Role of Sociology in bringing about social balance and harmony

The basis of sociology helps in understanding social conflicts. As a result, the

state can set such policies, which will help in bringing social justice and balance,
and harmony can be established in society. In all the countries, especially in India,
where people of different religions and castes reside, a big question arises before
politicians can strengthen national unity. From this point of view, the data
presented by sociologists can guide us enough.

3. Role of Sociology in Making Public Decisions Effective

One of the functions of political science is to reach public decisions. These

decisions can be effective only when the social motivations of the groups
concerned are taken into account. It is necessary to know the people's values,
traditions, attitudes, dispositions, beliefs, and prejudices to determine the
possible response to any social action and its chances of success. Social science
proves particularly helpful in this endeavor. If seen, today's political science is
ready to understand informal organizations and processes beyond the study of
formal processes and institutions. For this, it becomes necessary to take the help
of social science.

4. Political Analysis and Impact of Political Institutions on Sociology

Political analysis and the study of various political institutions have helped
sociology a lot. For example, in the context of society, the state has continuously
controlled the methods of sociological analysis. Sociologists recognize
governance as the highest social institution because governance can direct
society and regulate social behavior. Nowadays, the scope of work of the state
has become very wide. The state regulates marriage, property, and the family
system, which are closely related to sociology. For example- Government policies
regarding family planning and dowry have affected the Indian family and
marriage system to a great extent.

The relationship between political science and history

There is a close relationship between political science and history. Explaining this
intimacy, Prof. Seeley wrote, "History is a failure without Political Science, and
Political Science without History has no roots."

Freeman Says, "History is nothing but the past politics, and politics is nothing but
the present history."
According to Burgess, "If the two scriptures are separated, then one will be
crippled if not dead, and the other will remain as mere Akash Kusum.

Lord Acton States, "Political science is that science stored like gold grains in the
river of history."
How does political science depend on history?
History is necessary and useful for the study of Political Science. History is helpful
for the study of Political Science in the following ways--

1. Provides History Study Material for Political Science

History provides study material for Political Science. With the help of History, we
can get study material for comparison and discussion of Political Science. We get
a lot of information about the origin of political ideas and institutions through
History. The study of Political Science would not be possible without History.

2. History is the laboratory of Political Science

History is the laboratory of political science. We get the details of the results and
effects of various actions in the political field in history.
 Experiments were done in the past to help solve present problems and make the
future beautiful.

In the words of Wilson, "History is the detailed laboratory of political science by

which mistakes can be avoided from being repeated."

History's dependence on political science

Not only does political science depend on history, but also history depends on
political science.

1. Political events provide the basic material for the history

History is obliged to political science, because in the absence of proper study of

the results of political events and activities, the knowledge of history is
incomplete. Seele believes, "If political events are removed, history will remain
mere literature."

2. Political ideologies greatly influence history

Political ideologies influence history. The ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity
became the basis for the destruction of monarchy and democracy. The ideas of
Rousseau played an important role in the history of France, Marxism for the
Soviet Union, and Gandhian ideology played an important role in the history of
India.

Relationship between Political Science and Psychology

Psychology is the science of the human mind and behaviour, with the help of
which human motivations and special actions are accounted for. Therefore,
psychoanalytic methods are used to understand human beings. It is believed that
special works are accomplished due to the special working style of the human
mind. You can understand a person socially and culturally by knowing his/her
psychologically.
Political Science is like social science, which is related to the study of humans. The
effect of mental activities on political institutions is quite natural. This is why there
is a close relationship between Political Science and Psychology.

It is known that Machiavelli first propounded the importance of psychology

based on political activities, and Hobbes gave it a scientific form. Hobbes is
considered the father of the psychological approach to politics. Prominent
among the French and English writers who placed the greatest emphasis on
psychodynamic political analysis are Tarde, Durkheim, Lebon, Graham Wallas, and
MacDougall. Graham Wallas has expressed the growing influence of psychology
in political science in his famous book 'Bhnaund Danjantam Pad Chasapjapbe.'
He has clarified that man in his political behaviour is not only motivated by
conscience; emotions and impulses also influence him.

Freud and other psychologists have tried to prove that the basis of human
behaviour is the subconscious tendencies of his mind. The origin of these
tendencies is his suppressed desires. According to Freud, man does not generally
act based on reason or intellectual analysis. The mind is the slave of subconscious
impulses. If this is true, then it will be necessary for the politics student to
understand these subconscious motivations and attitudes. Without
understanding these, he can neither make a realistic analysis of political life nor
can he draw any conclusions about his ideals.

Similarly, Totor, in his book (Peace and Humanity during War) has explained how
national leaders can study the sentiments of the people and benefit from them
both in peace and war. In his book 'Lokmat,' Lippmann analyses the general
public's opinion, the people's dogma, and their views. Gunnar Myrdal's famous
book 'The American Dilemma' explains the attitude of the people of America very
well.

The utility of psychology for political science can be explained as follows--

1. It is worth mentioning that the basis of different governance systems in

different countries is the attitude of the people and society. The prominent
French journalist Boutami, while discussing the attitude of the people of England
and America in his two great works, has told that the main reason for the main
differences between the political institutions of these two countries is the attitude
of the people. Despite being a democratic country, England is maintaining the
existence of the emperor to date; at its core is the spirit and attitude of the
British. Although the office of the monarch has become somewhat meaningless
and immaterial there, the people of England have such a belief that as long as the
king or queen is present in Buckingham Palace, only then they can sleep in peace.
Thus there is not so much the practical utility of the royal office as the sentiment
of the common man behind it.

2. The state should study society's attitude properly while deciding on any new
policy or making any new law; otherwise, the public will not welcome that policy
or law. In the modern era, the importance of public opinion has increased
tremendously. The basis of democracy is 'public opinion,' Now, different types of
propaganda are being used by different political parties to create public opinion.
Pro. In the words of Getel, "The nature of political parties has today become
psychological to a considerable extent."

3. Without understanding the general public's behaviour and the agitated

crowd's sentiments, no person can become a successful politician.

For example, after the First World War, there was great despair and dissatisfaction
among the people of Germany due to the defeat, which Hitler recognized and
took advantage of. To instil enthusiasm, courage, and military spirit among the
masses, Hitler and his companions used to say, "Man should be as fearless and
bloody as a lion. A true German thinks not with his intellect but with his blood."

In this way, the main reason for the success of Mahatma Gandhi was also to study
the attitude of the people and work accordingly. Mahatma Gandhi knew that
India was a religious country. They took shelter in religious symbols – prayer,
fasting, cow protection, celibacy, satyagraha, etc. Gandhiji assumed the dress of
an ordinary farmer and took his message from village to village. Like Mazzini, the
great patriot of Italy, Gandhiji also resorted to spiritualism and gave the form of
'religion' and 'worship' to patriotism.
It is clear from the above description that no politician can neglect the study of
psychology. Lord Bryce has even said that "Psychology is the basis of political
science."

Relationship between Political Science and Geography

We know that among the building elements of the state, the land is also an
important fact because the subjects of the study of geography are also land, that
is, earth, water, and air, so geography and political science are closely related to
each other.

Rousseau of France stated that the relationship between the nature of climate
and the forms of governance could be observed. On this basis, he concluded that
warmer climates favor authoritarianism. Cold climates encourage vandalism, and
climates of a moderate nature are conducive to good policy. Montesquieu said
that only the people living in cold-climate could understand the meaning of
freedom. Bakil said that people do not form political institutions of their own free
will, but this is due to material consequences. The roaming tribes made their
permanent place surrounded by mountains and on the banks of rivers or where
the climate was very good.

Political unity could not be established in ancient Greece due to geographical

distance. The same thing can now be said about Indonesia or the Philippines. The
countries of Central Asia of Africa could not emerge due to their geographical
conditions; if the African countries are very hot, then the countries of West Asia
lack water and vegetation. Economic prosperity cannot come in such countries.
The success of direct democracy in Switzerland is its geographical location. If
countries like Bhutan and Nepal are so behind politically, then the reason for this
is also their lack of natural resources.

it is necessary to have sufficient knowledge of the land people there to

understand the political problems and life of the society of any country. Geology
affects the home policy of the nation; its foreign policy also remains untouched
by its influence. Today America and Russia are the greatest powers globally; the
reason for this is their geography. Due to the abundance of natural wealth and
minerals, their national power has increased tremendously. Today, the countries
of West Asia have become the centre of international politics due to their
geographical location, the abundance of minerals, and huge oil reserves.