Political science, often described as the study of state and government, lacks a precise definition and is characterized by various interpretations and significant complexities. It includes both theoretical and practical aspects, focusing on state institutions, political dynamics, and the relationship between individuals and the state. Despite debates regarding its status as a science due to issues like lack of universal methodologies and precision, it remains a vital branch of social science, encompassing diverse topics such as political theory, political institutions, and international relations.

1. POLITICAL SCIENCE
Meaning of Political Science
 Though known by several names as politics( Aristotle), Political
Science(W. Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft), Science of state (R G
Gettell) and Science of politics (Sir Fredrick Pollack), this subject lacks a
precise terminology.
 In many simple terms this subject is defined as a study of state and
government.
 The English word ‘Politics’ originates from three Greek words; Polis City
States with surrounding territories), Polity (Government) and Politeia
(Constitution).
 Politics in the original Greek sense was a study of the state an its
administration as well as philosophical terms.
 However, the point of difficulty at this stage is that the term politics is
taken by the writers of textbooks both as a science and as an Art.

2.  Politics is understood as the study of the state and government.
 There is confusion created when eminent writers make a distinction
between its theoretical or academic and practical or applied
dimension.Topics relating to the origin nature purpose an end of
the state forming part of theoretical aspect.Whereas others relating
to the actual administration of the affairs of the government belong
to the area of applied politics.
 The state is a very complex affair and it studies from different point
of view from economists, psychologists, sociologists and historians.
The reason is that the state has diverse aspects.
 The two terms Political Science and Politics are used to mean the
same thing.There is a line of distinction between the two that is
Political Science refers to the body of knowledge relating to the
phenomena of the state.Whereas politics refers to the sum total of
the activities of the state, the actual administration of public affairs.

3. In Conclusion, it may be stated that despite the above mentioned problems
Political Science in short begins and ends with state. It is a branch of Social
Science dealing with the theory organization, government and practice of the
state.

4. • SCIENCE HAS CATEGORIES-
• PHYSICAL SCIENCE- OBSERVATION
• BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE- BIOLOGY, ZOOLOGY ETC
• SOCIAL SCIENCE-PHILOSOPHY,ANTHROPOLOGY, ECONOMICS, POLITICAL SCIENCE
• POLITICAL SCIENCE- ABSOLUTE SCIENCEWHICH IS EXACT SCIENCEWITH NO
CONSENSUS.
• LACK OF DECISION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
• SUBJECTIVITY- BIASED ROLE
• SEPARATION OF POWERS SUCH AS LEGISLATURE, EXECUTIVE, JUDICIARY
• EG- POLICE FORCE AND MISUSE OF POWER

5. Nature of Political Science
• Political Science is the study of politics in both its theoretical and practical
aspects.
• Political Science is a social science. Its nature is different than physics and
chemistry.
• While studying the origin, evolution and development of Political Science,
there are different aspects of nature of Political Science needs to be
identified.
• The meaning of Political Science shows it is a systematic study of Political
Institutions, Political forces and processes.
• Despite various terminologies to study, political Science necessitates with
the question of whether it is a science.
• -What is a Science
• Science is a systematic body of knowledge, the facts of which have been
accurately and impartially collected, arranged and classified through the
use of various scientific methods of observation, comparison and
experimentation.

6. Political Science as not a Science
Many Political thinkers are of the view that politics is not a really science.
Following are the arguments:-
1) Lack of universal terminology and method of study in politics.
A term in an exact Science has only one connotation for all persons and is free
from double interpretation. Whereas among political thinkers there is no
consensus of opinion with respect to its scope methods, principles and
conclusions.
2) Lack of precision in politics
Political principles are not precise and clear and hence are not universally
accepted and applied. Political science has a set of its won terms like liberty,
equality, rights, justice, democracy and power. But no term has a precise and
standard definition of its own.

7. 3) ) Dealing with human beings and not inanimate substances in politics
In case of physical sciences like physics and chemistry the composition of any
substance or chemical can be easily, scientifically examined in a well euiped
laboratory and its results become universal in nature. However, it is not so in the
case of political science because human beings can never be reliable objects
of experimentation. Political conditions can never be created and recreated
artificially for the purpose of experimentation. The habits, sentiments, moods
and temperament of the people differ from place to place.
4) Element of subjectivity
Objectivity is an indispensable factor in any scientific investigation. The attitude
of a scientist towards an inanimate substances in a laboratory is always without
exception totally indifferent, unbiased and unprejudiced because the
substances are lifeless.

8. 5) Unpredictable future course of events in politics
It is nearly impossible for a political thinker to predict the future course of event
this happens because of two important factors that is human mind is elastic
and hence it is very difficult to know what shapes human motive and their
impact will take. And the other social, economic and political relation are
constantly undergoing change. What may be true today may not be true
tomorrow. The effects are at times contrary and therefore cannot ne
predicted.

9. Political Science as a Science
It is true that Political Science cannot be ranked as a Science in the strict
sense of the term. Yet, there are many scholars who consider Political
Science as a Science. Following are the arguments in favor of political
Science as a Science:-
1) Politics is a Social Science
Politics no doubt is not an exact Science like physics or chemistry
because of the material it deals with which can be scientifically
examined, observed and experimented in a laboratory. We have
inexact sciences such as meteorology. Politics is one the Social Sciences
which are inexact by their very nature.
2) Politics is a systematic body of knowledge
Politics is not haphazard growth of knowledge. It is a systematic body of
knowledge when the facts of which have been as far a possible
accurately and impartially collected, organized and classified on thee
basis of proper observation, comparison and some sort of
experimentation.

10. 3) Numerous Political experiments
There are numerous political experiments from which the students of
political science can benefit.
i) For example, Aristotle (Father of Political Science) considered politics
as a supreme science based on his volume. His work on “Politics” was
the study of 158 constitutions.
ii) After a comparative study of working of the various constitutions in
different countries B N Rau the constitutional advisor to the government
of India placed the general fact before the members of the Constituent
Assembly for their guidance in the task of framing the Constitution of
India.

11. 4) The quality of making predictions
It is said that a science has the quality of making predictions. Some scholars
state that political science has no such quality. This argument may be correct
but it should be studied in a different way. In various studies it is shown that the
element of prediction can be created in Political Science.
For example, on the basis of certain laws of social development, Marx and
Engels could predict the emergence of socialism at the fall of capitalism that
took place in the twentieth century.

12. Scope of Political Science
• The scope of Political Science means the subject matter of content of
Political Science. There is no unanimity or no consensus among scholars
regarding the scope of Political Science.
• There is a lack of precision in the definition and meaning of Political Science
and that creates confusion regarding the precise boundaries of the subject.
According to Willoughby Political Science has to deal with three great
topics such as State, Government and law. The subject matter of Political
Science includes the following:-
1) Study of State and Government
Political science is the science of state and government. It conducts a
scientific study of both the state and government. It deals with the nature and
formation of the state and tries to understand various forms and functions of
government. Political science makes a thorough investigation of the state from
the tribal state to the nation state. It tries to understand how people organized
themselves in the past. It also deals with the various elements, functions and
sphere of state activity.

13. 2) Study of Political Theory
Political Theory is a major branch of Political Science. It deals with anything
about politics or relevant to politics. It is a disciplined investigation of political
problems. On the basis of political thinkers Political Theory attempts to explain
and predict political phenomena.
3) Study of Political Institutions
The study of Political institutions includes a study of constitutions and
comparative governments. It deals with the nature of different political
institutions including government that explains their merits and demerits, their
structure and working. The study of public administration and local
government is also included. These institutions are useful to the nations and
have their utility in society.
4) Study of Political dynamics
It means the current forces at work in government and politics. It covers a wide
range and includes the study of political parties, public opinion, pressure
groups etc. A scientific study of the working of these political dynamics help to
explain political behaviour of individuals and groups. The study in this field is
often done in collaboration with other social sciences like Sociology,
Anthropology and Psychology.

14. 5) Study of adjustments of individual with the state
The study of political science includes the nature of the relationship between
the individual and the state. It is interesting to examine how ,an adjusts himself
within society. Man is the root of politics, as he is a social animal. The process of
adjustment of man and society is an important aspect of political science. The
state guarantees certain rights and liberties to its citizens and also imposes
certain reasonable restrictions on them. If maximum state intervention leads to
loss of liberty the complete absence of state intervention leads to anarchy.
6) Study of international relations and international law
The scope of political science includes a study of international relations. It
studies both political and non-political relations, state actors and non-state
actors. Hence, it covers a wide range of topics such as diplomacy,
international politics, international organizations, war and conflict. In recent
times the study of international relations has become as independent subject.
The study of political science also includes study of international law.
International law is defined as a body of general principles and specific rules
which are binding upon the member state.