Politics is the art and science concerned with government. It involves the activities associated with forming, directing and administering an area or political unit, and conducting relations with other political leaders. Political science usually refers to the analysis behind government and administration, political philosophy deals with the theory and ideology behind it, and politics often denotes the implementation of it. The disciplines of political science and jurisprudence are often entwined, as politics and governance naturally beget laws.

The history of politics parallels the history of civilization, as humans have had overseers since nomadic tribes developed. While several political treatises were written across ancient empires, Plato's "The Republic" is generally seen as the work that spurred the creation of political theory. Many political models and ideologies have emerged and been implemented since the time of Plato.  (Photo: Shutterstock)