What is the primary focus of political science?

The primary focus of political science is the scientific study of politics. This discipline encompasses a broad range of topics, including the analysis of political systems, behaviors, institutions, processes, and the theoretical foundations of politics. By employing systematic methodologies to study political phenomena, political scientists aim to understand how power is distributed and exercised, how public policies are formulated and implemented, and how political behavior is influenced by various factors.

While the legal interpretation of laws, the administration of government, and the history of constitutional law are all important elements related to politics, they fall under more specialized areas or subfields within political science rather than defining its core. Legal interpretation focuses specifically on the application and meaning of laws, administration pertains to the management of government operations, and the study of constitutional law looks at historical and theoretical aspects of constitutions. Thus, these areas contribute to the broader study of politics but do not encapsulate the central aim of political science itself.