Government as an academic field of study. - SS1 Government Lesson Note
Government as an academic field of study is the study of the systems, structures, and processes through which societies are governed. It involves the analysis of the institutions, policies, and practices that shape political decision-making, and how these decisions impact society.
The academic study of government includes a range of subfields, such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. Political theory involves the study of the philosophical underpinnings of government and the moral and ethical considerations that guide political decision-making. Comparative politics examines the similarities and differences between different government systems and how they function in practice. International relations focuses on how governments interact with one another in the global system, including diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation. Public policy involves the study of how policies are developed and implemented by governments, and how they impact society.
The study of government is multidisciplinary, drawing on various social science fields such as political science, economics, sociology, and history. It examines how different types of government systems function, including democracies, monarchies, dictatorships, and others. It also looks at how governments interact with other actors in the global system, such as other governments, international organizations, and non-state actors.