Traditional view of Political Science was unable to present any general principle of politics, because it was explanatory, formal and ethical. As a result, need for a new concept was felt. A new, wider and realistic approach for Political Science arose after the Second World War, which was known as modern view of Political Science.

Modern political thinkers have included psychological principles along with realistic and data – based study of human behaviours, power, influence, decision – making process and data-based study. Catlin, Lass well, Merriam, Max Webber, Russell and Margenthau are included among the supporters of modern view.

Definition of Political Science: Modern View

1. Political Science is the study of human activities: 

Modern political thinkers consider Political Science to be a science that studies political activities of man and social, economic and other aspects of human life. According to Catlin, “Political Science is study of organised human society and it deals primarily with political aspects of the life of the community".

2. Political Science is the study of power: 

Modern political thinkers consider power as the basic unit of Political Science. According to Catlin, “Political Science is the science of power.” 

3. Political Science is the study of political system: 

Political system is a comprehensive concept. It includes both the formal structures of governance, as well as informal elements that influence the governance. According to thinkers like David Easton and Almond, “Political Science is study of whole political system.” 

4. Political Science is the study of policy making and decision – making process: 

Some behaviourist thinkers consider Political Science as subject of study of policy, decision and decision making. According to Lasswell, “Political Science is science of policy making.”

Nature of Political Science: Modern View

 Supporters of modern view consider Political Science as a science. According to them, Political science is basically a social science and it has all the elements of science. Merriam gave emphasis in his writings that it was the greatest need of the time to use scientific techniques and methods in Political Science. According to Catlin and Harold Lowell, “Political Science is basically a science ajid it is related to scientific analysis of political organisations.”

Scope of Political Science: Modern View 

Modern view of Political Science has provided comprehensiveness to the scope of Political Science. Now political processes are also studied in Political Science along with state and government. It studies both the political as well as non – political elements that affect the political behaviour of man.

Mathematical and statistical approaches are now being used. Political Science is now given such a wide scope that not only the state, but also the society is included in Political Science. Political science is now being studied as a policy – making science. It has become a study of power. As a result, scope of Political Science has become widened.