Introduction Institutionalism constitutes one of the foundational traditions in political analysis, particularly within comparative politics. At its core, institutionalism emphasizes the role of political, legal, and social institutions in shaping political behavior, outcomes, and patterns of governance. Rather than treating political life as a collection of isolated individual actions, institutionalism argues that institutions structure preferences,…
Introduction Comparative Politics constitutes one of the core subfields of Political Science, concerned with the systematic comparison of political systems, institutions, processes, and behaviors across different societies and historical contexts. Unlike the study of single-country politics, comparative politics seeks to identify patterns, regularities, and variations in political life by examining similarities and differences across cases….
Introduction Civil society occupies a critical space in modern political theory and democratic practice, functioning as the arena between the state, the market, and the private sphere of family and community. It comprises voluntary associations, social movements, non-governmental organizations, professional bodies, faith-based groups, and informal networks that articulate interests, mobilize citizens, and hold power accountable….
Introduction Urban governance constitutes a critical dimension of India’s democratic and administrative framework. As cities have become engines of economic growth, social innovation, and political mobilization, governance in urban areas has acquired increasing significance. Urban governance is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it represents the institutional mechanisms, political processes, and participatory structures through which urban…
Introduction Local governance constitutes the foundational layer of democratic politics, where the relationship between the state and citizens becomes most immediate and tangible. Rural governance, in particular, occupies a critical position in India’s political system due to the demographic predominance of rural populations and the historical legacy of agrarian social structures. The effectiveness of rural…
Introduction The party system constitutes a central component of modern representative democracy. Political parties act as the primary intermediaries between society and the state, translating social interests into political demands and structuring electoral competition. Without a functioning party system, democratic politics would remain fragmented, unstable, and incapable of producing accountable governance. In India, the party…
Introduction Elections constitute the foundational mechanism through which democratic legitimacy is produced and renewed. In a representative democracy, the quality of elections directly shapes the quality of governance, political accountability, and public trust in institutions. In India, the electoral process is not merely a procedural exercise but a constitutional practice deeply embedded in the ideals…
Introduction The judiciary is a central pillar of constitutional democracy and plays a critical role in maintaining the rule of law, protecting rights, and ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution. In modern democratic states, the judiciary functions not merely as an arbiter of disputes but as a guardian of constitutional values and a check on…
Introduction The executive constitutes one of the core institutions of the modern state and plays a decisive role in the functioning of constitutional democracy. While the legislature articulates the will of the people through law-making, it is the executive that translates legislative intent into concrete action. In India, the executive has emerged as the most…
Introduction The legislature occupies a central position in any democratic political system. It is the primary institution through which popular will is translated into law and public policy. In constitutional democracies, the legislature performs not merely a law-making function but also acts as a forum for representation, deliberation, accountability, and political socialization. In India, the…
