Scope of Political Science:

(a) Study of State and Government:

Since Political Science is the science of the State and the Government, it conducts the scientific study
of both the State and the Government. It deals with the nature and formation of the State and tries to
understand various forms and functions of the Government, just as the scholars differ in regard to the
definition of Political Science, so they differ in regard to its scope too.

On the one hand Bluntschli, Garris and others believe that the scope of Political Science is restricted
to the study of the State alone but on the other hand there are scholars like Leacock, who attach more
importance to the study of the Government than to that of the State. Leacock maintains that Political
Science deals only with the Government.

Like Leacock Karl W. Deutsch says, "Because Politics is the making of decision by public means, it is
primarily concerned with government, that is, with the direction and self-direction of large
communities of the people."

The term State does not occur in his definition of Political Science, whereas Laski, Gilchrist and Gettell
are of the opinion that the scope of Political Science includes the study of both the State and the
Government. Bluntschli says, "Political Science is a science which is concerned with the State,
endeavors to understand and comprehend the State in its essential nature, various forms,
manifestations and developments."

But according to Janet, a French writer, "It is that part of social science which treats of the foundations
of the State and the principles of the Government." If we closely and carefully study Political Science,
we come to know that despite the difference found between the State and the Government, the scope
of one cannot be separated from that of the other. The State is an agency under which the Government
functions.

The State is imaginary and it is the Government that gives it a practical shape. Therefore, one is the
complement of the other. The existence of the State is not possible in the absence of the Government.
This is the reason why Laski, Gilchrist, Gattell and others have included the study of both the State
and the Government in the scope of Political Science.

(b) Study of Associations and Institutions:

The scope of Political science also includes the study of associations and institutions. In this
connection Dr. Garner has very aptly observed: "In organised way the fundamental problems of
Political Science include, first, an investigation of the origin and the nature of the State, second, an
inquiry into nature, history and forms of political institutions and third, deduction there-from, so far
as possible, of laws of political growth and development."

In other words, we study in Political Science the origin and the development of the State and many
other political institutions and associations. There are many types of institutions in a country or in a
society and the State an institution that stands supreme controls all of them. These institutions are
useful to the nation and have their utility in society. This is the reason why we study, in Political
Science, these institutions along with the State.

(c) Study of National and International Problems and the Political Study of Man:

The term Political Science is intimately related to the English word "Politics" which itself has been
derived from the Greek word "Polis". It stands for a city-state. In ancient times Greece was divided
into small city-states and the affairs related to those city-states were known as Politics.
But now the meaning of t he word "Politics" is not considered to be so narrow. These days Political
Science is not limited to the city-states only but it deals with the national and the international
problems. Despite this it will not be wrong to say that the scope of Political Science includes the
political study of man also, otherwise the study of Political Science will remain incomplete.

Herman Heller has laid stress on this point in 'Encyclopedia of Social Sciences'. He writes, "It may be
said that the character of Political Science in all of its parts is determined by its basic pre-supposition
regarding man."

Explaining the scope of Political Science, Burgess has pointed out that the modern demands of land-
extension, representative government and national unity have made Political Science not only the
science of political independence but that of state sovereignty also. According to Laski, The study of
Political Science concerns itself with the life of man in relation to organised states.

(d) Study of Past, Present and Future Development of State:

The scope of Political Science includes the study of the past, present and future developments of the
State. Dealing with the scope of Political Science Gettell writes: "In its historical aspects, Political
Science deals with the origin of the state and the development of political theories in the past....In
dealing with the present it attempts to describe and classify existing political institutions and ideas.
Political Science also looks to the future, to the improving political organisations and activities in the
light of changing conditions and changing ethical standards.

It is thus a study of the State in the past, present and future; of political organisation and political
function; of political institutions and political theories. In other words Political Science attempts to
explain the meaning and the essential, nature of the State and deals with the laws of its progress and
development.

It throws a shade of light on its origin, form, structure and its dealings with other States and
international organisations. The study of Political Science also includes a historical survey of the origin
of the State and its evolution.

Its scope is not restricted to the study of the past and the present alone, but it directs the future course
of the development of the State. It gives timely suggestions with a view to improving the political
institutions and modifying political activities so as to meet the new demands of the changing world.

A close and careful analysis of Political Science reveals to us that its scope embraces the study of both
the State and the Government. But the existence of the State is not possible in the absence of
Government. The State is imaginary and it is the Government that gives the State concrete shape.
There can be no State without Government.

Laski goes to the extent of maintaining that the State in reality means the Government. Thus, it is quite
clear that the agency which acts on behalf of the State is an integral part of the State. Therefore, the
study of the State must include the study of the Government which forms an integrated part of the
State.

Political Science studies the Government, its form, structure and its functions. The main subject of our
study seems to be the State round which the entire machinery of the Government rotates. Explaining
the scope of Political Science, Professor R. N. Gilchrist writes:

The scope of Political Science is determined by the inquiries that arise in connection with the State.
These inquiries may broadly be classed under the State as it is, the State as it has been, the State as it
ought to be." Under the headingwhat the State is? We study the present nature of the State.
It throws light on the origin and the meaning of the State and its essential elements. It also includes
the principles, the working and the classification of the modern forms of the Government. It deals with
the essential nature of the State and its relation with the citizens. Under this heading we study the
scope and nature of the State.

For example, 'State', according to Aristotle, "came into existence originating in the bare needs of life
and continuing its existence for the sake of good life." It means that the State aims at doing maximum
good to common man. Our Constitution deals in detail with this matter in the Directive Principles of
State Policy.

Now India has become a welfare State. It pays more attention to the education, health and other
facilities given to the citizens. In nineteenth century the Individualists though that the chief functions
of the State were three: to protect the country from foreign invasion; to maintain law and order; and
to let the mutual agreements come into being. State of this nature was known as the Police-State.

But the concept of the State has completely changed today. It had become a welfare State.
Consequently its scope has widened and its functions have increased in number. With the increase in
its functions, its powers also have increased. There is hardly a field of life which it does not regulate.

Under the headingwhat the State has been?we study a historical survey of the workings of the
government or the historical development of the State and of ideas concerning the State. By this study
we come to know what part religion, blood-relation and political consciousness have played in the
development of the State.

Under this heading we also study ancient political institutions and administrations so that we may
have the knowledge of the systematic development of modern institutions. By studying ancient
political history we also come to know the fact that the nature of the State, in the beginning, was like
that of a tribe and its functions were limited.

But step by step its simple nature underwent changes and it became a complex State. Now the complex
laws of the State have started controlling each and every sphere of human life. Under this heading we
also study how States in ancient times were formed out of small tribes and how they became big
national states later on. The present national states of France, England Germany and Italy started
developing only after fifteenth century.

The Statesmen of the world learnt from the defective working of the League of Nations and when they
founded the U.N., they improved it considerably. We discuss the aims and obligations of an ideal state
and consider those moral principles which help it to become a welfare State (not a Police-State) so that
it may aim at doing maximum possible good to mankind.

Under this heading we also study what will be the nature of the State in future. The political
philosophers firmly believe that in order to save human civilization from annihilation in Third World
War, we have to change the present nature of the national States and transfer their sovereignty to the
international associations like U.N.

In future the ultimate nature of the State ought to be like that of a world federation. Treitschke, a
German scholar, writes in this connection, "First, it should aim to determine from a consideration of
the actual world of States the fundamental idea of State; second, it should consider historically what
the people have chosen, what they have created, what they have attained in political life and how; and
third, through this means it should determine historical law and moral imperatives. As such, it is
applied in history".

While Professor Willoughby believes that generally speaking there are three great topics with which
Political Science has to deal: State, government and law. In his book, "One World", Mr. Bandal Wilky
has recognised the oneness of the entire human society. It confirms that Political Science is a deep
study of all the political problems of the world. It is a dynamic study of the dynamic political nature of
man. Its scope embraces all the political ideas and institutions. Every kind of political institution or
association is relevant to the subject of Political Science.
The scope of Political Science implies its area of study or subject matter. It is a very comprehensive
and expanding social science. An attempt was made by the International Political Science

Association in Paris in 1948 to delineate its scope. It classified the same into four zones, namely,
Political Theory, Political Institution, Political Dynamics and International Relations. We may
attempt to describe its scope as follows.

1. Political Theory:

It deals with the definition and meaning of fundamental concepts of Political Science like state,
government, law, liberty, equality, justice, sovereignty, separation of powers, methods of
representation, forms of government, grounds of political obligation and various ideologies.

A clear understanding of these basic terms and concepts is essential for the study of Political Science.
A student of Political Science must start his lessons with political theory.

2. Political Philosophy:

It is concerned with the theoretical and speculative consideration of the fundamental principles used
by Political Science. Eminent political philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke,
Rousseau, Hegel, Mill, Marx, and Gandhi have expressed their views on nature, functions and ends
of the state and government.

On the basis of their ideas, political theory defines political concepts. An important function of
political philosophy has been to project values and ideals which political institutions strive hard to
attain.

3. Political Institutions:

It is also concerned with the study of formal political institutions such as the state and the
instrument through which it acts the government. Hence, the scope of Political Science extends to
the study of the organisation and working of formal institutions like the legislature, the executive and
the judiciary, and in these days, of the electorate and even the administration.

The study of constitutions and political institutions of various countries (comparative politics)
enables the political scientists to evolve sound and workable principles for the conduct of
government.

4. Political Dynamics:

The term refers to the forces and processes at work in government and politics. They influence and
explain political action. They include the study of political parties, pressure groups, interest groups,
lobbies, public opinion, propaganda and political semantics (meaning of words) which influence and
manipulate political behaviour and attitudes of individuals and groups.

More recently, there has been a trend to extend the scope of Political Science into new areas of
empirical investigation into political behaviour. Drawing upon the resources of other social sciences,
Political Science has developed not only new techniques of analysis but new concepts like political
culture, political socialisation and political communication to explain political phenomena.

5. Public Administration:

Public Administration is a major branch of Political Science and is emerging as an independent

6. International Relations and International Law:

International Law is a body of general principles and specific rules which regulate the relationship
among states and international institutions. The study of international relations is a growing area of
Political Science.

It covers such important subjects as diplomacy, international politics, foreign policies and
international organizations. In view of world peace, cooperation and even 'world government,' the
need for strong international laws and sound international relations can hardly be exaggerated.

7. Relation between the State and the Individual:

The perennial and central problem, with which Political Science is concerned, is to establish proper
relationship between the state and individuals. The state guarantees certain rights and freedoms to
individuals and regulates their conduct and action through the legal system.

The proper adjustment between the authority and power of the state and liberty of the individuals is
a knotty problem. Political Science deals with the proper sphere of state action, the limits of political
control and the area of individual freedom.

Thus, the scope of Political Science has been expanding in recent times. The social life of man has a
direct or indirect influence on his political life. Political Science enters any sphere of life which has
political implications.

Modern Political Science in the era of post- behaviouralism deals with both empirical facts and value
preferences. It is a combination of both science and philosophy. Hence it is a dynamic social science
and its scope is ever expanding.