Political science has been an integral part of Davidson's curriculum since the college was founded in 1837, and the department continues to grow and flourish today. As far back as the college's founding, a senior-level course in political economy was part of the core curriculum, while aspects of what would become the discipline of political science were part of moral philosophy courses.

The department features a close-knit community and dedicated, intellectually engaged faculty members who are astute observers of national and international political systems. During the course of their careers department faculty have served congressional leaders, the U.N. Security Council, Department of Defense, as well as multiple sitting presidents.