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.

Derived Forms

• political scientist, noun

Other Words From

• political scientist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of political science¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

“This is not an election that was about an ideological or policy-based shift or rejection of Breed,” said Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at San Francisco State University.

From Los Angeles Times

He had dreamed of studying political science at a prestigious Moscow university.

From BBC

"For the most part, his ongoing legal battles are going to disappear," said David Schultz, a professor of legal studies and political science at Hamline University in Minnesota.

From Salon

Democratic attorneys general won 83% of the 155 lawsuits they brought against the first Trump administration, according to a tally by Paul Nolette, a political science professor at Marquette University.

From Los Angeles Times

Hakeem Jefferson, an assistant professor of political science at Stanford University, said on X, “I hardly have the words to express what a dark and scary moment this is for American democracy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civics