Independent Research Work

1. Here’s a list of basic forms of political systems. Find appropriate definitions for them.

anarchism

democracy

monarchy

meritocracy

technocracy

republic

sultanates

Islamic democracy

theocracy

Westminster system

feudalism

WRITING

1. Prepare a written analysis discovering the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above-mentioned political systems.

Unit 2 political science

GETTING STARTED

Discuss the following with your partners.

- What do you think the science of politics deals with?

- Try to give your definition of the political science.

- Compare it with the one given below.

Political science is a social science concerned with the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior.

Part 1

READING

1. Read the passage and say if you have ever used any of the methods described in your studying experience?

Political science, as one of the social sciences, uses methods and techniques that relate to the kinds of inquiries sought: primary sources such as historical documents and official records, secondary sources such as scholarly journal articles, survey research, statistical analysis, case studies and model building.

2. Read the following extract and find out possible functions of political scientists. Which of them seem the most interesting to you?

Political scientists study anything about and related to the allocation and transfer of power in decision making, the roles and systems of governance including governments and international organizations, political behavior and public policies. They measure the success of governance and specific policies by examining many factors, including stability, justice, material wealth, and peace. Political scientists provide the frameworks from which journalists, special interest groups, politicians, and the electorate analyze issues. According to Chaturvedy, "...Political scientists may serve as advisers to specific politicians, or even run for office as politicians themselves. Political scientists can be found working in governments, in political parties or as civil servants. They may be involved with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or political movements. In a variety of capacities, people educated and trained in political science can add value and expertise to corporations. Private enterprises such as think tanks, research institutes, polling and public relations firms often employ political scientists." In the United States, political scientists known as "Americanists" look at a variety of data including elections, public opinion and public policy such as Social Security reform, foreign policy, US Congressional committees, and the US Supreme Court — to name only a few issues – but in a period of seventy five years, only two American political scientists, J. Allen Smith and Charles A. Beard, have dealt intensively with the economics of politics.

3. Make up a list of the most important activities in your profession.

Political scientists deal with…

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5.