Political science is a social science discipline What is the importance of the study of Political

concerned with the study of the state, nation, Science?

government, and politics and policies of
government. Aristotle defined it as the study of the The study of Political Science in very useful and
state.[1] It deals extensively with the theory and valuable. Its knowledge is essential and useful to
practice of politics, and the analysis of political both the ruler and the ruled. The significance of the
systems and political behavior, culture. Political study of Political Science is discussed below:
scientists "see themselves engaged in revealing
the relationships underlying political events and
conditions, and from these revelations they attempt (1) Imparting Knowledge of the State:
to construct general principles about the way the
world of politics works."[2] Political science
intersects with other fields; However, the primary aim of the study of Political
including economics, law,sociology, history, anthro Science is to inculcate knowledge of the State, its
pology, public administration, public policy, origin, nature, structure and functions. Knowledge
national politics, international about the State is of great significance to modern
relations, comparative politics, psychology, political man.
organization, and political theory. Although it was
codified in the 19th century, when all the social
sciences were established, political science has (2) Imparting Knowledge of government and
ancient roots; indeed, it originated almost 2,500 administration:
years ago with the works of Plato and Aristotle.[3]
The administrators, political leaders and diplomats,
Political science is the study of governments, public who conduct the affairs of the State, also require
policies and political processes, systems, and political sound knowledge of Political Science in order to
behavior. Political science subfields include political perform their functions with efficiency. An
theory, political philosophy, political ideology, political administrator who has no knowledge of Political
economy, policy studies and analysis, comparative Science is bound to be; i failure. The principles
politics, international relations, and a host of related and norms established In the scholars in political
fields. (For a good cross section of the areas of study, science are of immense utility and value to the
see the list of APSA Organized Sections.) Political executives, legislators and judges. Political science
scientists use both humanistic and scientific is said to be a science of statesmanship and
perspectives and tools and a variety of methodological leadership.
approaches to examine the process, systems, and (3) Imparting Knowledge about the world:
political dynamics of all countries and regions of the
world. However, apart from these utilitarian
Why Study Political Science? considerations, the acquisition of know ledge of
political science enriches one's mind and widens
Are you interested in American politics? International one's intellectual horizon. In order to know what is
affairs? Critical issues such as health, the environment, happening in the world around us at least an
civil rights? Theories concerning the ideal government elementary knowledge of political science is
and how power and resources are allocated in society? necessary. In the modern age an individual cannot
Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career lead an isolated life. Each country has to maintain
based on your interest? If so, you should consider relations with other countries of the world.
studying political science.
Political science students can gain a versatile set of
skills that can be applied in a wide range of exciting (4) Creation of democratic values:
careers in federal, state and local governments; law;
business; international organizations; nonprofit
The study of Political Science has assumed
associations and organizations; campaign management
special importance in modern times in all
and polling; journalism; precollegiate education;
democratic countries. The success of democracy
electoral politics; research and university and college
depends upon the political consciousness of its
teaching.
people. The study of political science makes
people conscious of their rights and duties. It also
makes them vigilant unless the citizens of a
country are vigilant, alert, intelligent and patriotic;
there is no possibility of successful working of
democracy in that country. It is rightly said that
"eternal vigilance is the price of liberty".
(5) Creation of good citizenship:
The study of Political Science is valuable for
creating good citizenship and securing unity of the
nation. It makes citizens conscious of national,
objectives and goals. Laski said that good
citizenship implies "the contribution of one's
instructed judgment to public good". It can be
developed by the study of political science.
Political Science teaches the lessons and
virtues of good citizenship. Essential Elements:
1.
(6) Lesson of co-operation and toleration: 2.
3.
Political science also teaches the lesson of co- 4.
operation, adjustment and toleration. Society
cannot prosper without cooperation. Man should
learn how to co-operate and adjust himself with
his fellow-beings. People of all walks of life
should co-operate for the better development of
the country. Toleration is also necessary in
society.
Knowledge of Political Science Indispensable
Thus, the study of Political Science has special
importance in all countries. Its study helps us to
understand the mechanism and constitutional
systems of modern government. The principles of
government, the domestic and foreign policies of
the nation. the legislature, executive and judiciary
of different countries, etc. are studied in Political
Science. The principles of liberty, equality and
fraternity are also made clear by the study of
political science. Keeping in mind its importance
and utilitarian value, Aristotle regarded Political
Science as the supreme science or the
masters of all science. The day when the
aphorism of Aristotle will be realized, is not
remote indeed.
1.The study of political science as a decipline
expose an individual to the sociaty he lives in.
2. Political science enables an individual to known
much about a state,how it is govern,how is the
distribution of scales resources is been shared,is
the sharing base on equality,accountability and
trensparency?
3. Political science exposes an individual to the
authoritative allocation of value in the sociaty.
4. Political science is important because it gives
one an insight about adminitration,leadership and
governance generally.
5. The study of political science is unique and
important in the sense it helps one to
predict,analise,and table constructive criticism on
issues concerning the development of a sociaty.
Population
Territory
Government
Sovereignty\
1. The Stale has four elements like population,
territory. Government and sovereignty.
Government is a narrow concept and it is an
element of the State. It is rightly said the State is
an organic concept in which the government is a
part. Willoughby writes. "By the term government is
designated the organization of the State machinery
through which is designated the organization of the
State machinery through which its purposes are
formulated and executed'". Government is an
agent of the State. That is why in a democracy, it is
considered as servant and the State as master.
Government is compared with the brain of the
living organism; what the brain is to the man. The
government is to the State.
2. The State is more or less permanent and
continues from time immemorial. But the
government is temporary. It changes frequently. A
government may come and go, but the State
continues for ever. Death of a ruler or the
overthrow of a government in general elections
does not mean the change of the State. If the
Janata Government replaces the Congress
Government, it involves no fundamental changes
in the structure of the State of India.
3. The State is generally composed of all citizens
but all of them are not members of the
government. The government consists of only a
few selected citizens. The organ of the having the chief characteristic of permanence and
government consists of only a few selected continuity. Government is only a part of the State.
citizens. The organs of the government are
executive, legislature and judiciary. The few 1. A state is sometimes used as a synonymn for
selected persons will run these three organs of nation or country.
the government. Thus, the State is a much
broader organization than the government. 2. States together, form a nation.
Membership of the State is compulsory but not
that of the government.
3. A nation can be defined as a politico-cultural
entity, which is identified by its unique character
4. The State possesses sovereignty. Its authority and collective rights. On the contrary, a state can
is absolute and unlimited. Its power cannot be be defined as a politico-judicial entity, which is
taken away by any other institution. Government identified by its sovereign rights.
possesses no sovereignty, no original authority,
but only derivative powers delegated by the
State through its constitution. Powers of 4. A nation can be defined as group of people who
government are delegated and limited. are bound together into a single body, through
history, customs, value, language, culture,
tradition, art and religion. A state can be defined as
5. The State is an abstract concept whereas a patch of land with a sovereign government.
government is a concrete one. Nobody sees the
State and the State never acts. The government
is a physical manifestation and it acts for the 5. A nation can be refered to as the holder of
State. It consists of a definite group of persons soverignity.
who can be seen and known. It is a tangible
organization which can be seen and questioned.
6. Policies pertaining to national interest are taken
by the government at the national level, but the
6. All States are identical in character and nature. state governments cannot formlate such policies.
Whether big or small, the characteristics of the
State do not undergo changes. But governments
are of different types and they may vary form the 7. The word nation has been derived from the
State to the. State Various political scientists, latin natio, which means a set of people. State is
have given different classifications of government. a word that has been derived from the Latin
Aristotle had classified government into monarchy, Status, which means status or condition.
aristocracy and democracy Marriot has classified
government into parliamentary or presidential and Origin of the State:
unitary or federal. Thus, there is no uniform
pattern of government. But the State is a universal 1. Natural Theory. The social urge of the human
institution having one single form with its four being to be within a group of people in the community
essential characteristics. as in sociology describes that man is a social being.
The social group provides the political development
to stay and work together with common standard law
7. Lastly the citizens possess rights to go against, in the community later on transform as a state.
government and not against the State. The State 2. Patriarchal Theory. The origin of the state evolves
only acts through the government and the from the enlargement of family under the authority of
government may commit mistakes and not the
the parents or the elders. Later on, it will develop into
State. Thus, the citizens have only rights to go
against the government. Moreover, the State a tribe, kingdom then state.
consists of a the citizens, the citizens go against 3. Force Theory. The creation of the state through the
the State, it will mean to go against themselves. constant war and invasion of the great warriors in the
This is an impossible proposition. The State is ancient time dominated the weak that later on formed
therefore, and indestructible union of citizens
a state.
4. Divine Right Theory. The rulers of the past necessity.
advocated the political dominance of authority and
power through their own ordained mandate that they What is the basis of the exercise of the
represented the state as on the basis of the divine police power of the state?
right ( as God created the state).It was in this nature
The exercise of police power is founded on
that the divine rights of kings has the absolute power
and influence over the subjects.
the basic principles of salus populi est
5. Social Contract Theory. This is the right of the suprema lex (the welfare of the people is
people to have the deliberate and voluntary contract the supreme law) and sic utere tu et
on the right to overthrow the kings and rulers against alienum non laedas (so use your property
corrupt governance to organize a new government so as not to impair another)
with common interest for all the people.
Who has the ultimate power to determine
THE THREE INHERENT POWERS OF the necessity and the means of exercising
THE STATE the police power of the state?
POLICE POWER Congress has the ultimate power, because
It is the sovereign power to it is the judge of necessity, adequacy,
promote and protect the general welfare. reasonableness and wisdom of any law. The
It is the most pervasive and the least congress is the constitutional repository of
limitable of the three powers of the state, police power and exercise the prerogative
the most essential, consistent and of determining the policy of the state.
illimitable which enables the State to Limitations in the exercise of Police power
prohibit all hurtful things to the comfort,1. Due process clause
safety and welfare of the society. 2. Equal protection clause
It also refers to the power vested in The basic purposes of Police Power are:
the legislature by the Constitution to
make, ordain, establish all manner of1. To serve the general welfare, comfort and
wholesome and reasonable laws, convenience of the people;
statutes, or ordinances, either with 2. To promote and preserve public health;
penalties, or without, nor repugnant to3. To promote and protect public safety;
the constitution, as they shall be judge to4. To maintain and safeguard public order;
be for the good and welfare of the state5. To protect public morals; and
and the subjects. 6. To promote the economic security of the
people.
Police power is an inherent
attribute of sovereignty. It can exist even POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN
without reservation in the constitution. It It is an inherent power of the state
is based on necessity as without it, there that enables it to forcibly acquire private
can be no effective government. It is also property, which is intended for public
referred to as the law of overwhelming
 use, upon the payment of just concur before an LGU can exercise the
compensation. It is based on political power of eminent domain:
necessity; it is inseparable from the state1. An ordinance is enacted by the local
unless it is denied to it by its fundamental legislative council authorizing the local
law. chief executive to exercise the power of
eminent domain;
Condemnation of private property2. It is exercised for the public use, purpose
is justified only if it is for the public good and welfare;
character. It is the courts of law that have3. There must be payment of just
the power to determine whether there is compensation; and
necessity therefore. Also called the power4. A valid and definite offer has been
of expropriation, eminent domain is previously made to the owner of the
described as the highest and most exact property south to be expropriated.
idea of property remaining in the
government that may be acquired for Taking may not only include the
some public purpose through a method import of a physical possession of the
in the nature of a compulsory sale to the owner, as when he is ousted from his land
state. or relieved of his watch or car but also
covers trespass without actual eviction of
Who may exercise the Power of Eminent the owner, material impairment of the
domain? value of the property or prevention of the
1. The Congress ordinary uses for which the property was
2. The President intended.
3. The local legislative bodies
4. Certain public corporations (e.g. Land The following cases constitute taking:
Authority and the MWSS) Where a farmland is inundated because of
5. Quasi-public corporations (e.g. PLDT and the construction of a damn nearby, the
Meralco) owner who is prevented from planting on
the land.
What are the requisites in exercising the Where government planes fly over private
power of eminent domain? property at such a low altitude as to
1. The property taken must be private practically touch the tops of the trees.
property; A municipal ordinance prohibiting
2. The taking must be within constitutional construction of any building that would
sense; destroy the view of the plaza from the
3. The taking must be for public use highway.
4. Just compensation must be paid;
5. There must be due process of law. Query: A building which is on the verge of
collapse was ordered to be demolished.
The following essential requisites must The owner objected thereto since the
demolition constitutes taking without raise revenues to defray the expenses of
payment of just compensation. Is the the government or for any public purpose.
contention of the owner correct? This can be done through the imposition
of burdens or imposition on persons,
Answer: No, the demolition of the building properties, services, occupations or
is done in the exercise of police power. It is transactions.
intended to further the interest of the
public as the structure is susceptible to The importance of taxation derives
harm the public, in case it collapses. from the unavoidable obligation of the
Hence, the owner is not entitled to government to protect the people and
compensation. extend them benefits in the form of public
projects and services. Taxation is based on
Query: An ordinance was passed requiring necessity and the reciprocal duties of
private cemeteries to reserve 6% of their protection and support between the state
total areas for the burial paupers. The and those that are subject to its authority.
owners of the private cemeteries demand
payment of just compensation because Who may exercise the power of taxation?
the ordinance sought to deprive them of It is the Congress who exercises the
their property. However, the city invoked plenary power to tax. However, it may be
that such ordinance was done in the delegated by congress to local government
exercise of their police power under the units under such terms and conditions as
general welfare clause. Is the argument of may prescribed by law.
the city tenable?
The following are the requisites or
Answer: No, although there was taking of limitations on the power to tax:
private property for public use, 1. Public purpose;
nevertheless, it was done without 2. Territoriality;
payment of just compensation. Hence, 3. it Uniformity;
violates the principles governing eminent 4. Due process and equal protection clause;
domain. The taking of property under the 5. Constitutionally exempt properties cannot
police power is sought to be destroyed. be taxed;
6. In the assessment and collection of certain
Just compensation is the full and fair kinds of taxes, notice and opportunity for
equivalent of the property taken from the hearing must be provided.
private owner by the expropriator. The
measure of this compensation is not the
takers gain but the owners loss.

POWER OF TAXATION
It is the inherent power of the state to
Two Aspects of in any form. No State comes into being
with the goodwill and by the grace of other
Sovereignty States, but in spite of the-ill will and
Raees Ahmed Jul 23rd, 2012 0 Comment hostility of most of them. Hence every
Internal Sovereignty State remains independent only so long as
A distinction is usually made between it is internally strong and supreme. To
internal and external conclude, sovereignty means supreme,
sovereignty, especially by the writers on unlimited and absolute power in its two
International Law. Internal sovereignty aspects, internal and external.
means the supreme and final power to
command all persons within the territory
of the State. Its will is absolute over all
persons and associations. It issues orders
to all men an: to all associations within
the area of the State and receives orders
from none. Its will is subject to no legal
limitations of any kind. What it proposes
is right by the mere announcement of
intention, as Laski puts it
External Sovereignty
It means the freedom or independence of
the State from any control, compulsion
and interference by a foreign State or
power It means in other words, that the
will of the State is supreme as against oil
foreign wills treaties and International Law
do not limit the supremacy or external
sovereignty of the State, because they are
self-imposed limitations. In short, external
sovereignty means independence of the
State. It is necessary to remark that while
internal sovereignty is a positive exercise
of authority, external sovereignty is merely
its negative aspect.
External sovereignty does not mean that
the State has the right or power over other
States. It only means that it will not submit
to their interference or command. That is
why it is suggested by some political
scientists that it is better to use the word
independence instead of external
sovereignty. Sovereignty is essentially
internal power, which can exist only when
it will not tolerate foreign intervention in it