Political science

Political science

The social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics.

Contributors in Political Science

Political science

The idea that the ruler of a country should also be the wisest person. This idea goes back to Plato's Republic. Plato's ideal ruler emerged from an elite group, formed out of the highest talent and ...

pigeonhole

Politics; Political Science

Refers to the killing of a bill by a Congressional committee when it refuses to vote on whether the bill goes for consideration to the House of Representatives or the Senate. Pigeonholing is a ...

plank

Politics; Political Science

Any of the principles contained in a party political platform, as in welfare reform is a major plank of the Republican agenda.

planned economy

Politics; Political Science

An economy that is controlled by the central government, which sets goals, priorities, production schedules, prices, etc. Planned economies are characteristic of socialist societies. Mistrusting the ...

plebiscite

Politics; Political Science

A vote of all the people in a territory or country on an important issue, usually a matter of national sovereignty. Sometimes voters are presented with a choice between continuing to be ruled by the ...

plenipotentiary

Politics; Political Science

A person invested with full authority to act as a representative of a government.

pluralism

Politics; Political Science

Government carried out by a process of bargaining and compromise between a variety of competing leadership groups (business, labor, government, etc.). Advocates of pluralism claim that it best serves ...