Topic 1. Political science as a science: development and place in the system of social disciplines

Political Science

A social science that studies power, institutions, political behavior, decision-making, and governance within and across states.

Polis

The ancient Greek city-state; the historical origin of the term "politics," referring to organized communal life and governance.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of the state to create laws, enforce order, and govern within its territory (associated with Jean Bodin)

Separation of Powers

A principle developed by Montesquieu dividing political authority into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent power concentration.

Power

The ability of individuals or groups to influence decisions, actions, or outcomes within society.

Political System

The set of institutions, processes, and norms through which a society organizes political life and makes public decisions.

Quantitative Methods

Research techniques based on numerical data, statistics, and measurement (e.g., surveys, election data).

Qualitative Methods

Research techniques focused on non-numerical data, such as texts, cases, observations, and interviews.

Case Study

An in-depth investigation of a single phenomenon (country, leader, crisis) that allows detailed and contextual analysis.

Survey Research

A method of collecting data from large populations through questionnaires to measure attitudes and behaviors.

Experiment

A research method using test and control groups to examine the causal effect of specific variables.