Political science is concerned with the study of power, government, and the state. Power relationships among individuals, groups, and nations, and their governmental and policy results are examined using a variety of political science methods, including case studies, textual analysis, field research and interviews, and statistical analysis of quantitative data.

The study of politics is as old as Aristotle and as new as the latest public opinion poll. It is as parochial as getting potholes in city streets repaired and as exotic as negotiating international agreements to protect endangered species.