Political Science vs. Polity: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 20, 2024
Political Science is the academic study of politics and government, while Polity refers to a particular form or system of government.
Key Differences
Political Science is a broad academic discipline that studies governments, public policies, political processes, systems, and political behavior. Polity, in contrast, specifically refers to a particular form or system of government or the state itself, focusing on its structure and organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 18, 2024
Political Science encompasses various subfields, including comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration, offering a comprehensive understanding of political phenomena. Polity, however, deals with the practical aspects of governance and the constitution of a political unit, like a country or state, highlighting its administrative and structural features.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 18, 2024
Political Science is more theoretical, involving the study and analysis of political ideas, ideologies, and theoretical frameworks. Polity is more practical, focusing on the actual operation and functioning of a government or political system.
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Feb 18, 2024
Political Science is an academic subject taught in universities, forming the basis for research and education in politics. Polity represents a real-world entity, referring to a specific political system or government in operation.
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Feb 18, 2024
The objective of Political Science is to understand and explain political phenomena, often using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Polity's focus is on the governance structure and the constitution of a political entity, concerned with the practical aspects of how a state is governed.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 18, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The study of politics and government
A form or system of government
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Feb 18, 2024
Scope
Broad and encompasses various subfields
Specific to a government's form and structure
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Feb 18, 2024
Application
Academic and educational
Real-world governance and administration
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Feb 18, 2024
Primary Focus
Understanding political systems and behavior
The functioning and structure of a specific political system
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Feb 18, 2024
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Political Science and Polity Definitions
Political Science
The scientific analysis of political activity and behavior.
Political Science research often involves studying voter behavior.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
A particular form or system of government.
The polity of Canada is a parliamentary democracy.
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Jan 17, 2024
Political Science
The discipline that examines the theory and practice of politics.
Political Science helps in understanding the complexities of international relations.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
The constitution of a political unit and its government.
Studying the polity of ancient Rome reveals much about its governance.
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Jan 17, 2024
Political Science
The academic study of government, politics, and political behavior.
I majored in Political Science to understand how governments function.
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Jan 17, 2024
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Polity
The political organization of a state or society.
In my thesis, I analyze the polity of medieval European kingdoms.
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Jan 17, 2024
Political Science
An area of study focusing on political activities and institutions.
My Political Science course covers the workings of political institutions.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
A system of governance or political entity.
Understanding a nation's polity helps in comprehending its political decisions.
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Jan 17, 2024
Political Science
A field analyzing political systems, ideologies, and policies.
In Political Science, we compare different political ideologies.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
An organized society, such as a nation, having a specific form of government
"His alien philosophy found no roots in the American polity" (New York Times).
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
(politics) An organizational structure of the government of a state, church, etc.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
(political science) A politically organized unit; a state.
Different nations have different forms of polities, from provinces and states to territories and municipalities.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
The form or constitution of the civil government of a nation or state; the framework or organization by which the various departments of government are combined into a systematic whole.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
Hence: The form or constitution by which any institution is organized; the recognized principles which lie at the foundation of any human institution.
Nor is possible that any form of polity, much less polity ecclesiastical, should be good, unless God himself be author of it.
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
Shrewd or crafty management of public affairs;
We was innocent of stratagems and polity
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Jan 17, 2024
Polity
An organized society having a specific form of government.
The polity of the United States is a federal republic.
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Jan 17, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Political Science predict political outcomes?
It attempts to, using theories and models, but absolute prediction is challenging.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is Political Science?
It's the study of politics, political systems, and political behavior.
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Feb 18, 2024
What topics does Political Science cover?
It covers government structures, political theories, international relations, and public policies.
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Feb 18, 2024
What is a polity?
A polity is a form or system of government or political organization.
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Feb 18, 2024
Is polity the same as democracy?
Democracy is one type of polity, among others like monarchies or oligarchies.
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Feb 18, 2024
What are the key research methods in Political Science?
Qualitative and quantitative analysis, case studies, and comparative methods.
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Feb 18, 2024
How does polity affect a country?
It determines how a country is governed and how power is distributed.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can a country have multiple polities?
Generally, a country has one polity, but it can change over time.
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Feb 18, 2024
Is Political Science a social science?
Yes, it's considered a social science.
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Feb 18, 2024
Do Political Science studies include global politics?
Yes, it includes studying international relations and global affairs.
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Feb 18, 2024
How is polity different from government?
Polity refers to the system or form, while government is the institution in power.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can polity change in a country?
Yes, through revolutions, reforms, or other political changes.
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Feb 18, 2024
What skills does studying Political Science develop?
Critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of political processes.
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Feb 18, 2024
Is studying polity important?
Yes, to understand how different government forms function and affect societies.
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Feb 18, 2024
How is Political Science useful in everyday life?
It helps understand political decisions, voting behavior, and policy impacts.
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Feb 18, 2024
What careers can one pursue with a Political Science degree?
Careers in government, law, journalism, education, and non-profits.
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Feb 18, 2024
What role does culture play in shaping polity?
Culture can influence the form and functioning of a polity.
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Feb 18, 2024
Are there universal principles in Political Science?
It has key concepts, but interpretations can vary by culture and society.
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Feb 18, 2024
Can an individual influence a polity?
Yes, through political participation, activism, and advocacy.
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Feb 18, 2024
Does polity include economic systems?
It focuses more on political organization, but economic systems can be related.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 18, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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