Political science is the academic discipline of government, public policy and the distribution, taxation and management of resources for a city, state or country.  

Political science has many subsets and niche areas.  There are generally four central divisions in the discipline of political science; they are:  political theory, comparative politics, international politics and government or public administration.   

Political theory or the philosophy of politics is the art and history of politics.  It looks at the “why” and the “how” of the organization of government, the allocation and management of resources and the polices that underscore the practice of politics.  This area would include the philosophy of laws, justice, governance and fairness within civilizations historically and in modern times.  Ancient political theory or philosophy would examine the roots of the political systems of the civilization.  For instance, Ancient China’s political philosophy came from its prevailing religious or legal practices so during times when Confucianism was in power, the tenets of interpersonal relationships and loyalty were essential.  When Legalism was the power source, it was more draconian and used penalties and punishment as the basis of the political structure.     Ancient Greece used the work of Plato’s Republic to develop city-state structures for the political system.  

Political theory would also look to the political scholars of history and contemporary politics for theories, foundations and political approaches.  Aristotle, Mao, Jefferson, Hitler, Marx, Lenin, Stalin are common standards of study in political theory. 

Comparative political science looks at the similarities and differences in governments by region, by era or by state.  There are instrumental differences in the development of political platforms, policies and management practices that are tied to areas beyond the political philosophy.  Comparative political scientists would use scientific method, statistical analysis and case studies to examine the governments and political structures of one system in contrast to that of another system.  This could include the comparison of the political structure of the Confederacy in contrast with the political structure of the Northern States.  It could compare the development of Southern Political Parishes with the Wards and Precincts of Northern areas like Chicago.  Comparison of the political systems of the agrarian cultures with the political systems after the Industrial Age would be an example of a comparative political science.  

International Politics looks at the balance, and struggle of politics between and among countries.  The relationships between economy, defense, trade and the differences in political structure are all part of the discipline of the international relations or international politics areas.  

Public administration looks at the actual government structure, management and distribution models. This would include how the civil service process works to support the citizens or constituents.  It would also examine the ways the civil servant or politician prepares to execute their work.  

There are overlaps and subsets of political science that lap into economics, history, finance and anthropology.  Political science jobs may include campaign management, political office holders, political commentary writers, administrative positions and other government positions including the role or development of political advocacy.