Final answer:
Putnam suggests political science can become more relevant by focusing on issues like public policy, social justice, and environmental conservation, thus enabling citizens to better influence government and policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert Putnam is a renowned scholar in the field of political science, and his work often suggests that political science can gain greater relevance by engaging with issues critical to society. In particular, Putnam emphasizes the importance of considering topics that have significant impacts on the daily lives of citizens and the overall health of communities. These topics include public policy, social justice, environmental conservation, and the complex interplay of international relations. By cultivating a comprehensive understanding of politics and political science, individuals can become better citizens and political actors, thus leading to governments that reflect the public interest and policies that address the real-world concerns of communities. Political science can provide insights into the pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, the environmental crisis, and globalization effects on public policy, making it a tool for informed citizenry to shape a better future.