Democracy has been discussed for centuries, but no definition has been found with which everyone would agree. However, many would agree that democracy has certain common characteristics, such as equality of rights, freedom of opinion, freedom of speech, and free elections. All political science degrees, whether an associate degree or Ph.D., fall under social sciences. Social sciences are usually considered a "soft" science, compared with a "hard," objective science like chemistry or physics; however, political science is becoming increasingly data-driven. A bachelor's degree in political science can be earned as either a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). The categorization and ability to choose your degree type vary among schools. If both options exist, their requirements will be slightly different. The course of study for a BS in political science typically includes mathematics and statistics.Types of Democracy

There are different types of democracy. However, it is traditionally divided into 4 main types:

• Direct Democracy

• Representative democracy

• Constitutional democracy

• Monitoring democracy

In direct democracy, citizens independently and directly participate in the preparation, discussion and adoption of socially and politically significant decisions. Direct democracy is most effective in small social groups. Thus, its popularity peaked at the time of ancient small states. However, in some modern countries direct democracy mechanisms are sometimes actively used in the framework of local self-government.

In a representative democracy, citizens decide on the election of their representatives, who are called upon to express the interests of voters, to pass fair laws, to issue orders, etc. The concept of political representation arose when the system of direct democracy began to limit the number of its citizens. When the population became too large and people could not physically meet and vote, they began to elect representatives who acted on their behalf. Representative democracy has become more popular in the modern world because it more effectively addresses the political issues of citizens.

In a constitutional democracy, the constitution determines who will represent the people and how. It is a system of government based on popular sovereignty in which the structures, powers, and limitations of government are described in the constitution. This form of democracy is practiced in the United States, Germany, Israel, Japan, and other countries.

Monitoring democracy is a new form of democracy in which the government is constantly monitored in the exercise of its powers by a wide range of public and private agencies, commissions, and regulatory mechanisms. In a monitored democracy, people's participation in political life is not achieved only through their representatives. Citizens can participate in all political spheres, such as social services. The influence of monitoring forces both national governments and international bodies to increase accountability to the people.

Establishing a Career in Politics and Policy

A successful career in politics and policy takes a lot of networking, perhaps more than any other career track. Building a web of scholars and professionals in the field starts with your education. Professors can offer valuable industry connections, and peers may become coworkers and competitors. Completing an internship after graduating college is generally essential to securing a political science job. This is especially true in political hubs like Washington, D.C., and New York. Internships also allow you to experience working in specific areas of interest, such as state governance, international relations, and immigration policy.