The study introduces an innovative approach to the historiography of the formation phase of political science in the early Federal Republic of Germany. In doing so, it considers the entire cohort of the founders of this field of study. It explores this generation of scholars applying analytical criteria, thus allowing profound insights into the professional self-perception of each of the individuals investigated. Areas of research include their specific views on civic education, their understanding of political science as well as its relationship towards civic education and the particular concept of democracy to be taught in civic education. As a result, the study provides a nuanced picture of the mindset of this founding generation of political scientists. Its results will have a lasting impact on contemporary political science by creating awareness of the fact that, contrary to common belief shared by many political scientists, this scientific discipline has not only served to educate and inform the public in times past, but indeed still performs this function to this very day.