Topic 2: Introduction to Politics and Political Science

• Politics is linked to the phenomena of conflict and cooperation
• The essence of social existence is politics and that two or more men interacting with one another are invariably involved in a political relationship.
• Political science is the study of the state in all its elements, aspects, and relationships such as its government, its organs and institutions which the state functions.
• Political Science - It is also a systematic study of politics.
• Political Science - It is also concerned with the associations of human beings into a body politic or a political community (organized under government and law).
• Scope of Political Science

  • Political Theory
  • Public Law
  • Government
  • Public Administration
• Political theory - relating to the origin, form, behavior, and purposes of the state are dealt with (De Leon, 2008).
• Political theory - A political thought which explains the political ideas and beliefs of a group of people (Ayson and Reyes, 2000).
• Public law - this refers to the constitutional and legal principles/rules governing sovereign states, governments and individuals in their relationship with one another (Ayson and Reyes, 2000).
• Public law includes

  • Organization of governments
  • The limitation upon government authority
  • The powers and duties of governmental offices and officers
  • The obligations of one state to another
• Government - this deals with the government set-up of a state on both national and local levels.
• Government - It covers the state constitution, laws, citizenship, structures of the various levels of government, the election process, the judicial system, political parties and interest groups, and foreign affairs.
• Public administration - This is focused on the methods and techniques used in the actual management of state affairs by the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of government.
• Public administration - It also has become an important machinery with expanding activities and functions including the determination and adoption of appropriate measures pursuant to the rule-making power of legislative bodies
• Why do we need politics?

  We need politics to know our rights.
• Priceless Commodity - Information
• Approaches to the study of politics and political science

  • History
  • Economics
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Psychology
  • Geography
  • Philosphy
• “Political science without history is hollow and baseless; history without political science has no fruit; and political science without history has no root (Dr. J. Seeley)”.
• History

  • History and politics are interconnected; the past helps interpret present and future political developments.
  • Understanding historical foundations aids in analyzing political growth and provides direction for the future.
  • Dr. J. Seeley: "Political science without history is hollow; history without political science has no fruit."
• Economics

  • Economic conditions influence political structures and vice versa.
  • It deals with allocating scarce resources to meet society’s unlimited needs.
  • Helps analyze government policies on resource management for national economic welfare.
• Sociology and Anthropology

  • Examines social control, governance, and cultural influences on society.
  • Addresses social issues (crime, housing, delinquency) that may become legislative concerns.
  • Pennock & Smith: "A government needs legitimacy to be effective and vice versa."
• Psychology

  • Studies mental and emotional factors driving political behavior.
  • Explores public opinion shaped by propaganda and pressure groups.
• Geography

  • Covers external political issues, national power, and trade relations.
  • Geopolitics: A state’s location impacts its policies, growth, and survival.
• Geopolitics is a science which emphasizes that the domestic and foreign policies of a state are dependent upon it physical environment.
• Philosophy

  • Provides ideas for constitutions and laws.
  • Explores political theories on the origin of states and democracy.
  • Offers alternative visions of governance.
• History – Examines past political events to understand present and future developments.
• Economics – Explores how economic conditions shape political structures and policies.
• Sociology & Anthropology – Analyzes social control, cultural influences, and societal issues affecting governance.
• Psychology – Studies human behavior, public opinion, and political decision-making.
• Geography – Considers how a state's location influences its political power, trade, and policies.
• Philosophy – Provides foundational ideas for constitutions, laws, and governance theories.
• Essentials of Politics and Political Science

  Politics and political science aim to:

  1. Identify principles for good governance, critique inefficiencies, and suggest improvements.
  2. Provide practical insights for policymakers, including constitution-makers, legislators, executives, and judges.
  3. Address social welfare, economic programs, international cooperation, and other public concerns.
• Public Law – Includes constitutional law, administrative law, and civil rights protections. The 1987 Philippine Constitution ensures that government power is limited and protects citizen rights.
• Sociology and Anthropology: Exploring the role of indigenous governance systems like those of the Cordilleran and Moro communities.
• Geography: Examining how regionalism affects Philippine politics (e.g., Mindanao autonomy and the Bangsamoro Organic Law).
• Politics came from the greek word "polis or city-state" (Keohane and Nye, 1971).