UCSP-Module-3

LESSON
Political Science in the Art of Governance

3 Defining Political Science, its goals and perspectives
Learning Objectives
After taking up this module,the students will be able to;
A. define Nature of Political Science,
B. cite the different forms of politics and its definitions,
C. enumerate the Components of Politics and characteristics of Good Governance and,
D. create a simple Political Strategy that will help to improve their own places.
Pre-Test
Directions: Read each statement below. State whether you AGREE or DISAGREE to each of the
statements. Write your answers on the space provided.
___________1. Politics emanates from the Latin word politika meaning the affairs of the cities.
___________2. Politics is both an art and science of government encompassing the administration and
control of its internal and external affairs.
___________3. Public policy discussions fall under semi-formal politics.
___________4. Formal politics is also known as everyday politics.
___________5. Political science as a field of discipline is under the umbrella organization of natural
science.
___________6. The barangay is the basic unit of the society.
___________7. Issues like abortion, free trade and war on drugs are examples of political institutions.
___________8. Monarchy is an example of political ideology.
___________9. The traditional/historical approach are concerned in the observable world than the
normative world in understanding contemporary science.
___________10. Governance and government have the same meaning.
Defining the Nature of Political Science

In Aristotle’s Politics, he emphasized that man by nature is a political animal. This implies that
man is sociable in nature and they usually come together to form political association. Forming political
association is like choosing who will be part of your circle of friends as well as who will be your partners
in crime. Once you have built your own group, you start making your rules and marking your boundaries.
Likewise, in our government, we have several institutions, departments and associations that is
governed by laws and led by a leader. Hence, the branch of social science that is responsible in the study
of the activities of the government and institutions in determining who gets what and how is called
Political Science.
Etymologically, the term Politics emanates from the Greek word “Politika” meaning the affairs of
the cities. It is basically the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a given
community. In the political spectrum, politics is both an art and science of government encompassing the
administration and control of its internal and external affairs.
Politics has three forms: Formal, Semi-formal and Informal

Formal politics pertains to the structured and defined operation of a constitutional framework,
institutions and methods. An example of this is the public policy discussion. Semi-formal politics on the
other hand includes neighborhood associations and student governments where political party exists.
Lastly, informal politics which is also known as the everyday politics affects the everyday lives of man
like how the household or office is managed and how a person impacts one another.
Political Science as a field of discipline is the most dynamic among all the disciplines of social
sciences due mainly to the topics involved in its framework of the study from a basic social unit of the
society - the family, to the complex body of politics, the State.
Components of Politics
The following are the components of politics:
•Political Institutions – these comprise the state, government agencies, political systems and the
functions of the political beings or individuals within the institution.
•Political Ideologies–these refer to the set of beliefs and doctrines that serve as the guide in the
political, economic, and social action of a state. Foremost examples are democracy, monarchy,
dictatorship etc.
•Political Parties – these are groups of certain individuals who aspire to occupy public office.
•Political Issues - these are governmental and societal controversies debated over time inclusive
of divisive topics such as abortion, taxation, foreign policy, free trade etc.
Characteristics of Good Governance

The following are the characteristics for good governance:
Participation – All men and women, and all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and gender
preferences should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate
institutions that represent their interests.
Rule of Law – Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human
rights.
Transparency – The information are directly accessible to those concerned with them. Also, enough
information or data should be provided for easy understanding of their transactions.
Responsiveness – Institutions should serve all stakeholders from all walks of life but they must consider
the welfare of the majority.
Consensus Orientation – Good governance mediate differing interests to reach a broad consensus to
come up with an agreement within the group.
Equity – the law is based not only in printed words but it also has the will to promote social justice for
all.
Effectiveness and Efficiency – institutions must have positive results in allocating the resources and
meeting the needs of the citizens.
Accountability – this is a constitutional mandate that a public office is a public trust. Decision-makers in
the government are accountable to the public.
Strategic Vision – leaders and the citizens should have a broad and long term perspective on good
governance and human development to see what the country needs and for them to meet the needs of its
citizens.
Approaches/Perspectives in the Study of Political Science

•Traditional/Historical Approach
Political scientists/experts make some use of history to study the chronology and the historical
development of government structures and institutions. This is based on the premise that history is a very
important tool in understanding what shaped society especially its government structure.
•Scientific/Behavioralist Approach
Behaviorists are concerned mostly with the empirical theory which deals with the observable world rather
than the normative theory which involves value judgments. This scientific approach of behavioralists
brought a new method in understanding the contemporary political science. It basically looks into the
processes taking place in political structures in order to understand how this affects the functioning of the
institution as a whole.
•Systems Approach / Structural-Functional Approach /General Systems Theory Approach
This approach highlights the importance of the different structures or branches of government and the
execution of their functions in order to ensure the stability of the political system.
•Political Economy Approach
Politics and economy are never entirely separate phenomena. Economics involves conflict over scarce
resources while politics generally involves decisions about who will pay and who will benefit from the
production and distribution of products and services.

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LESSON

Political Science in the Art of Governance

Defining the Nature of Political Science

Politics has three forms: Formal, Semi-formal and Informal

Characteristics of Good Governance

Approaches/Perspectives in the Study of Political Science

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