Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about Meaning_and_Importance_of_Political_Science from Class 8 Social_Science. After studying this chapter, you will understand the concept of political science. You will explain the process of development in political science. You will know and recognise the political thinkers and their contributions. And you will know the importance of political science. Let us begin our journey into this fascinating subject.
Political science is one of the social sciences dealing with the political activities of man. It deals with the state and government. It is related to the origin and nature of state and forms of political institutions. The study of state is the main subject matter of political science. As a subject, the study of political science began with the Greeks. Though Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Indians and Chinese have mentioned their ideas or thoughts about politics much earlier to Greeks, they failed to develop it as a systematic study. Politics was given status of an independent science by Greeks. Greek philosophers like Socrates and his disciple Plato were great political thinkers. Plato in his famous book Republic for the first time discussed the nature and functions of state and government. Aristotle, the ancient Greek thinker is recognized as the Father of Political Science for his valuable contributions to its growth and development. He wrote the first book on political science called The Politics. In his famous book Aristotle discussed the origin, development and functions of state. Even Kautilya work on Arthashastra also had more information about political principles.
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Greeks used the term politics for the study of state. The term Politics is derived from the Greek word polis which means city state and therefore a subject which deals with the affairs of city state and its working was called politics by ancient Greece. However scholars have preferred to use the term Political Science for this study. Now a days the word Politics refers to the practical aspect of the problems of the state and government. The discipline of political science is a study of origin and development of the state, the functions of government, rights and duties of citizens and so on. Hence the proper title of this subject of study must be political science. It is the study of the state in the past, present and future and of political organization, political functions and political theories. Thus we find that the state, government and other problems connected with them fall within the purview of political science.
Let us look at some formal definitions. According to Garner, the study of Political Science starts and ends with state. According to Paul Janet, the science which deals with the study of origin and principles of state is political science.
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Now let us move on to the importance of political science. The knowledge of Political Science is most essential in the present age. The progress and development of a state depends upon the thinking, knowledge and political involvement of the people. Political Science helps to understand the birth and growth of a state. It provides information about the type of governments and political activities involved in the functions of the state. Political Science provides information about the origin and development of ideas such as monarchy, freedom, justice, laws, equality, good government, wars and peace. It provides information about the structure and functions of the state and central governments. In the light of the past and the present activities of the government, Political Science helps to plan the future activities of the state. It also helps to establish a modern welfare state. Political Science provides knowledge about the Constitution and laws of the state. Political Science helps to understand about the organs of the government, that is, Legislature, Executive and Judiciary structure and their functions. Political Science develops political consciousness among the people. It keeps the government and the people politically vigilant and active. The knowledge of Political Science helps leaders and civil servants to understand and find solutions to the problems of the people effectively. The knowledge of Political Science helps to raise good leadership and good citizens. Political Science helps to understand the important political institutions like political parties, federal system, local bodies and others. Political science deals with ideologies which inspire and influence active political involvement of people. Political Science provides the knowledge of international relations especially the importance of peace and co operation among nations.
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Thus the study of Political Science helps us to understand the need for a state, good governance of the state, the role of the leaders and people participation. It helps the people to become good, responsible, cultured, and active citizens. The knowledge of political science contributes to the establishment of a just, peaceful, progressive and a happy state, which is the dream of millions and millions of people for a long time everywhere.
Now, let us work through the exercises together to strengthen your understanding.
Exercise One asks you to fill in the blanks with suitable words. Number one: The word Politics was derived from the Greek word polis. Number two: Republic was the work of Plato. Number three: Aristotle wrote a book on political science and it is called The Politics. Number four: Kautilya work relating to political science is Arthashastra.
Exercise Two asks you to answer the following questions in brief. Question five: What is political science? Answer: Political science is one of the social sciences dealing with the political activities of man. It deals with the state and government, and is related to the origin and nature of state and forms of political institutions. The study of state is the main subject matter of political science. Question six: Who began the systematic study of Political Science? Answer: The systematic study of Political Science was begun by the Greeks. Question seven: Who is called the Father of Political Science? Answer: Aristotle is called the Father of Political Science. Question eight: Give a definition of Political Science. Answer: According to Garner, the study of Political Science starts and ends with state. According to Paul Janet, the science which deals with the study of origin and principles of state is political science. Question nine: Mention uses of the study of Political Science? Answer: The study of Political Science helps us understand the birth and growth of a state, types of governments, and political activities. It explains ideas like monarchy, freedom, justice, laws, equality, and peace. It details the structure and functions of state and central governments, helps plan future state activities, and aids in establishing a modern welfare state. It provides knowledge of the Constitution, laws, and the three organs of government. It develops political consciousness, helps leaders solve public problems, raises good citizens and leaders, explains political institutions and ideologies, and provides knowledge of international relations and peace.
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Exercise Three lists activities for you to try. Activity one: Prepare an album highlighting the nature of political system existing during the kings. Activity two: Discuss the statement of Aristotle given in the book in your classroom with the help of your teacher. Activity three: The social needs of man led to the rise of the state, is it so? Arrange a talk on the topic in your classroom.
Exercise Four lists projects for you to complete. Project one: Imagine that you are a member of ancient Greek city state and discuss any one particular issue of the city state. Project two: Collect portraits of world leading political thinkers and prepare an album.
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I hope this lesson has helped you grasp the meaning and importance of political science clearly. Remember to review the thinkers, the definitions, and the key points of importance for your exams. Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]