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Political theory is a branch of Political Science concerned chiefly with the ideas of the past and present thinkers and the doctrines and proposals of political movements and groups. It is the study of the concepts and principles that people use to describe, explain, and evaluate political events and institutions. It attempts to analyze the proper form of Political Science and includes account of such notions as the nature and views of politics, problem of class struggle, power and legitimacy. It helps us understand these notions logically and analyze the answers which others give in dealing with political matters at a more abstract and general level. Political theory also aims to generalize about the right conduct in political life and the legitimate use of power. The usefulness of political theory is that it sets out to consider the problems without restricting to the factual replies. It frees us to think speculatively and idealistically. It is not only concerned with the behavioral study of the political phenomena from empirical point of view, but also prescribes the goals which states, governments, societies and citizens ought to pursue. The approaches to political theory can be broadly segregated into some main categories—traditional, normative, empirical, contemporary and liberal. These theories directly impact the politics of any particular state and they form the basis for political scientists to study and draw conclusions. Contemporary political theory is trying to attempt a synthesis between political philosophy and Political Science. The book deals with the principles and the theory of Political Science. Besides the introductory portion, including definition, scope, value, nature and methods of Political Science, it includes the discussion on all those topics which find a place in the syllabi of B.A. Political Science in Delhi University. But since the topics of Political Science at graduation level are the same everywhere, the book will also be useful for students of the subject in all the universities in India, including open universities. It will also help those preparing for various competitive examinations.