Which branch of social science studies political systems, law, governance, and power relations?

Political Science is the branch of social science that focuses specifically on the study of political systems, governance, laws, and the dynamics of power relations within societies. This field examines various forms of government, political behavior, political activities, policies, and the theoretical foundations of political ideologies. Scholars in political science analyze how governmental structures operate, the role of institutions, the impact of political parties, and the behavior and activities of citizens in public life.

In contrast, other disciplines such as sociology explore social behavior and structures broadly, anthropology studies human societies and cultures through a more holistic lens, and economics concentrates primarily on the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services. While these fields may touch upon aspects of governance or law as they intersect with social dynamics or economic factors, they do not primarily focus on the systematic study of political systems and power as Political Science does.