political theory

noun

1

a

: a theory having to do with the political relationships among men

specifically : one concerned with the organization and basis of government

political theories are generated by social frictions

—A. S. Kaufman

b

: the general body of such theories

a history of political theory

2

: a branch of political science concerned chiefly with the ideas of past and present political thinkers and the doctrines and proposals of political movements and groups

discussion of the proper scope of governmental action … has usually been regarded as a proper part of political theory

—F. W. Coker

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