System Theory of Political Analysis

The system theory took its root from a Biological theory. The authors of the Biological theory
were Ludwig von Bertalanfy and James G. Miller.
According to them, they believed that the human body is a system that is composed of different
parts or units that work together in order to ensure the effective functioning of the body
system. And that, if one part of the body system malfunctions, it will affect the whole body
system.

Therefore, it is safe to say that the units or parts of the human system are interconnected. On
the one hand, Bertlanfanny believes that the human system is Isomorphic i.e all systems are
similar. While on the other hand, Miller believed that all systems are living. And that, if they are
living, they can also die.
However, in the field of politics, the same system theory was used by some scholars to analyze
Political phenomena. The likes of David Easton, and later, Morton Kaplan used this theory for
political purposes. Although, the two scholars have their area of divergence and convergence.

The former, David Easton in 1953 used the system theory to analyze politics. According to
him, the system is a system of interaction within a society through which authoritative
allocation of resources is done, so also the decision making and implementation.

Easton, in his system theory analysis stated that the system functions by getting inputs from the
environment. These inputs could be either demands or supports. Then, these inputs in turn
undergo a conversion process and it comes out as an authoritative decision which is always
binding on the environment. This decision could also generate feedback, and it keeps going on
mechanically.
While the inputs come from the environment, the gatekeepers are saddled with the
responsibility of articulating the various interests of the people. This duty is done by the civil
societies, political parties etc.

According to Easton, for a system to last, it must get more support from the people than their
various demands. However, Morton later used the system theory for international analysis of
politics.

ASSUMPTIONS OF THE SYSTEM THEORY

1. Systems are interrelated.

2. Reciprocity among the units in a political system i.e every units need one another to survive.

3. All the units in the political system meet at an equilibrium

4. All systems has an interest to fulfill which is self preservation and resistance.
CRITICISMS OF THE SYSTEM THEORY
1. Some scholars described it as being too abstract. That is, it is detached from concrete reality.

2. It is too mechanistic.

3. It has disregard for morality in politics, systems of government are neglected.

4. It has an orientation towards the status quo. That is, it doesn't give room for change.

5. It fails to draw a dichotomy between the social and political interactions.