Comparative Politics

Introduction

No 'Man' can live in isolation. The same is true in the case of politics and governance. The formation of the Indian Constitution is, in itself, an epitome of intricate scrutiny of flipping pages of various constitutions, rules, laws and regulations. However, we should take pride in the fact that it has been termed as the 'longest constitution in the world. 

Anyway, we earned the title of a 'sobriquet' i.e. the Elephantine constitution!

Having discussed the basic introduction now let's jump to the definitions of comparative politics. 

Definition

Edward Freeman: By Comparative Government, I mean the comparative study if political institutions and forms of government. 

Similarly, Jean Blondel: Comparative Government can thus be defined in a preliminary fashion as the study of patterns of national governments in the contemporary world. 

Geoffery K. Roberts: Comparative politics deals with leadership, political socialisation, the resolution of political conflicts, bargaining decision-making powers and political communications.

Now, let us derive some of the characteristics or key features of 'Comparative Politics:

1. Analytical and Empirical investigation
2. Study of infra-structures
3. Emphasis on the study of developing societies
4. Emphasis on the inter-disciplinary methods of study
5. Value-free study: There is no place for moral values etc. Only formal structures are discussed here.
6. Study of Power, Rule and Authority
7. Study of Political Elites, Political Violence and Political Corruption
8. Study of Political Processes
9. Study of the balance of power between the Competing States
10. Study if the role of Bureaucracy
11. Study of political activities

Conclusion

Thus, we see that we compare and contrast the ideas, values and demographics. We learn to be liberal in thinking, political processes, Asian, Latin American and even Western Nations.

This, in turn help us to be a tolerant individual and we learn to accept differences.