Political Science as a Discipline

POLITICS (definition)

POLITICS (definition)

• This is the central concept in the discipline as much as society is to sociology and culture is to anthropology.

POLITICS - Alfred Boyer

• Politics is the interaction between civil society and the government in the activity of governance.

POLITICS - Max Weber

• Politics is the exercise of power within a state

POLITICS - David Easton

• Politics is the authoritative allocation of scarce values.

POLITICAL BEHAVIOR (POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE)

• Encompasses the actions and attitudes of individuals and groups regarding politics and governance. This includes voting, activism, and participation in political processes, as well as more unconventional activities like protests or revolutions.

PUBLIC POLICY (POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE)

• A set of actions and decisions taken by the government to address societal issues. It includes laws, regulations, and guidelines aimed at solving problems and improving the quality of life for the public.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE)

• The implementation and management of government policies and programs. It involves planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling government operations.

POLITICAL THEORY (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• Focuses on the political system, institutions, and processes specific to the Philippines.

  • Example: The study of Jose Rizal’s political writings, such as “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” which critique Spanish colonial rule and advocate for reforms.

COMPARATIVE POLITICS (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• This involves comparing political systems and institutions across different countries, including the Philippines.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• Analyzing the Philippines’ foreign policy, particularly its relations with China and the United States. This includes studying the implications of the South China Sea dispute and the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S.

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• Investigating voter behavior in Philippine elections, including the influence of political dynasties and patronage on voting patterns. Studies might explore how socioeconomic factors and media exposure affect voter decisions.

PUBLIC POLICY (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• Evaluating the impact of the Pantawid, Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a conditional cash transfer program aimed at reducing poverty.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• This branch examines the various administrative schemes implemented by government officials.

POLITICAL ECONOMY (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• Analyzing the economic policies of different administrations, such as the Build Build Build infrastructure program under President Duterte. This includes studying the economic impacts and political motivations behind such large-scale projects.

POLITICAL METHODOLOGY (SUBDISCIPLINE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE)

• Developing statistical models to predict election outcomes based on demographic data and historical voting patterns in the Philippines. This involves using quantitative methods to analyze political trends and behaviors.

POWER

• This implies the capacity to direct and influence the decisions of others.

• Defined by Robert Dahl, as “the ability of a person A to make person B do what person B would not otherwise do” (APSA, 2013).

Legitimate Power

• Power that comes from a formal position or role within an organization.

  • Example: A CEO has legitimate power over the employees in their company because of their position at the top of the organizational hierarchy.

Reward Power

• Power that comes from the ability to provide rewards or incentives.

  • Example: A manager who can give bonuses, promotions, or other benefits to employees holds reward power.

Coercive Power

• Power that comes from the ability to impose penalties or punishments.

  • Example: A supervisor who can issue warnings, demotions, or terminations has coercive power over the subordinates.

Expert Power

• Power that comes from having specialized knowledge or skills.

Referent Power

• Power that comes from being admired or respected.

  • Example: A charismatic leader who inspires loyalty and admiration from their followers holds referent power.

Informational Power

• Power that comes from having access to valuable information

  • Example: A project manager who has detailed knowledge about the project’s timeline and resources has informational power over the team

STATE

• A community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, having a government of their own to which the great body of inhabitants render obedience, and enjoying freedom from external nations

• Territory

• Government

• People

• Sovereignty

Elements of a State

GOVERNMENT

• The set of personnel who manages the affairs of the state in its act of allocating scarce values

Democracy

• A system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting.

UNITED STATES

Democracy

Monarchy

• A form of government with a monarch at the head, such as a king or queen.

UNITED KINGDOM

Monarchy

Oligarchy

• A form of government where power is held by a small group of people.

RUSSIA

Oligarchy

Totalitarianism

• A centralized government that does not tolerate parties of differing opinions and exercises dictatorial control over many aspects of life.

NORTH KOREA

Totalitarianism

Theocracy

• A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler and religious leaders govern in the deity’s name.

IRAN

Theocracy

Republic

• A form of government in which the country is considered a “public matter” and the head of state is an elected or nominated president.

FRANCE

Republic

Federalism

• A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

GERMANY

Federalism

Autocracy

• A system of government in which one person has absolute power.

SAUDI ARABIA

Autocracy

Communism

• A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system where all property is publicly owned.

CHINA

Communism

POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE

• “the study of governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and political behavior”