Political Science vs. Politics: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 6, 2023
Political science is the academic study of government and political systems, while politics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in government.

Key Differences
Political science stands as an academic discipline that seeks to analyze, understand, and often theorize about the structures, functions, and dynamics of political systems, governments, and political behavior. It involves exploring various theoretical frameworks and conducting research to understand political phenomena. Political science digs deep into the principles and theories behind political systems and explores various political ideologies, structures, and governmental functions, often from a non-partisan perspective.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Contrarily, politics typically denotes the practice and application of power and governance, often within the framework of a state or another administrative division. Politics might involve activities that are centered on making decisions that apply to members of a group and generally encompasses making agreements between individuals, forming parties or groups, and interacting within and between those entities. While political science hones in on understanding and exploring concepts in a structured and academic way, politics tends to be much more action-oriented and practical.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Political science is fundamentally concerned with understanding and exploring concepts in a structured, empirical, and often academic manner. It endeavors to understand how political systems operate, how political decisions are made, and how political phenomena impact society and individuals. While political science does indeed intersect with politics in various ways, it remains primarily an academic and research-oriented field, often involving a level of abstraction and theoretical analysis.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
On the other hand, politics, in its daily manifestations, often involves real-world applications and practices, encompassing everything from political campaigning, governance, policy-making, and international relations. Politics inherently involves the struggle for power and the implementation of policies and is thus embedded in the practical realms of decision-making, leadership, and governance. It is largely pragmatic and is primarily concerned with what is rather than what should be or what could be, as political science often explores.

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Interestingly, political science often informs politics, providing theories, insights, and data that can help to shape political strategies, policies, and understandings. Politics, in turn, provides a real-world arena where theories and concepts derived from political science can be observed, tested, and analyzed. So, while political science and politics are distinctly separate in terms of their nature and primary concerns, they are intrinsically linked and perpetually interplay in various significant ways.

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Academic study of political systems and behavior
Activities related to gaining and exercising power

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Focus
Theoretical frameworks and empirical research
Practical application and execution of power

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Primary Concern
Understanding and explaining political phenomena
Engaging in and navigating power dynamics

Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Application
Informs political practice through theories and data
Involves real-world governance and power struggles

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
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Political Science and Politics Definitions
Political Science
Political science is the scholarly study of government systems, political activities, and political entities.
The student decided to major in political science to understand the underlying principles behind governmental systems.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Politics
Politics pertains to the practices or professions associated with governance and political activities.
The young activist was determined to change the landscape of local politics with her community-driven approach.

Huma Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Political Science
Political science encompasses studies of political theories, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration.
His degree in political science offered a comprehensive view of both local and international political dynamics.

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Politics
Politics involves the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or government.
His career in politics was characterized by strategic alliances and a keen understanding of public sentiment.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Political Science
Political science involves analyzing the theory and practice of politics, including policy analysis and public administration.
Political science scholars often delve into policy analysis to understand the implications of governmental decisions.

Huma Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
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Politics
Politics embodies the theory and practice of navigating power and governance, including within organizations.
Office politics can significantly impact the working environment and employee morale within an organization.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Political Science
Political science seeks to explore the systematic structure and functioning of political institutions and behavior.
Through studying political science, she gained insight into the complex workings of various political institutions.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Politics
Politics refers to the art or science concerning the guiding or influencing of governmental policy.
The mayor understood that politics often required strategic compromises to achieve broader goals.

Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Political Science
Political science aims to understand, explain, and sometimes predict how politics and government affect and are affected by individuals and groups.
Political science researchers were intrigued by the impact of social media on electoral outcomes.

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Politics
Politics encompasses the actions, strategies, and principles aimed at gaining and exercising power within a governance structure.
The politician navigated through the intricate politics of her party to push forward her policy initiatives.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Politics
The art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 06, 2018
Politics
The activities or affairs engaged in by a government, politician, or political party
"Our politics has been corrupted by money and suffused with meanness" (Peter Edelman). "Politics have appealed to me since I was at Oxford because they are exciting morning, noon, and night" (Jeffrey Archer).

Sumera Saeed
Apr 06, 2018
FAQs
Is political science always impartial?
While political science aims to be impartial and objective, researchers may have biases that influence their perspectives and studies.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can political science influence politics?
Yes, political science can influence politics by providing data, theories, and insights that inform policy and strategy.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
How is ethics related to politics?
Ethics in politics relates to moral principles guiding political behavior, policy-making, and governance.

Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Are international relations a part of political science?
Yes, international relations study how countries interact with each other, a key subfield of political science.

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
What is the core focus of political science?
Political science focuses on analyzing, understanding, and theorizing about government structures and political behavior.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can politics be studied scientifically?
Yes, the scientific study of politics falls under political science, which uses methodologies to understand political phenomena.

Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
How does comparative politics function within political science?
Comparative politics, a subfield of political science, involves comparing political systems, processes, and outcomes across different countries.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
How does public opinion influence politics?
Public opinion influences politics by affecting electoral outcomes, policy-making, and the popularity of political entities.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What methodologies are used in political science research?
Political science research may use methodologies like qualitative analysis, quantitative data analysis, case studies, and comparative research.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
Can political science predict political events?
While political science uses theories and data to understand trends, predicting specific political events can be challenging due to the complexity of variables involved.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Is politics only related to government?
No, politics can also refer to power dynamics and governance within any organization or group.

Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Can anyone engage in politics?
Yes, anyone can engage in politics through various means such as voting, activism, or running for office.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
How does politics differ from political science?
Politics involves practical governance and power dynamics, while political science is the academic study of political systems and behavior.

Huma Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
How does political theory fit into political science?
Political theory, a subfield of political science, involves developing and analyzing theories about political systems, behavior, and values.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
What is practical politics?
Practical politics involves engaging in political activities, strategies, and actions that influence governance and power structures.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
What are the career paths in political science?
Career paths in political science include academia, policy analysis, research, journalism, and various roles in government.

Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
How does politics affect everyday life?
Politics affects everyday life by shaping laws, policies, and services that influence societal structures and individual circumstances.

Sumera Saeed
Oct 06, 2023
How are laws related to politics?
Laws are related to politics as legislative processes, policy-making, and legal enforcement are inherently political actions and systems.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
What does political science say about democracy?
Political science explores the principles, implementation, and outcomes of democracy, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
How does one become a politician?
Becoming a politician typically involves engaging in politics, often through party participation, activism, or serving in governmental roles.

Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
