| a social science dealing with political institutions and with the principles and conduct of government. |

| political science n. The study of the processes, principles, and structure of government and of political institutions; politics. political scientist n. |
The systematic study of government and politics. Political science is a social science that makes generalizations and analyses about political systems and political behavior and uses these results to predict future behavior. Political science includes the study of political philosophy, ethics, international relations and foreign policy, public administration, and the dynamic relations between different parts of governments.