Is the University of Miami or William & Mary better for political science?

The biggest practical tradeoff is this: William & Mary has a stronger academic reputation and tighter pipeline for government, law, and policy, while the University of Miami gives you a larger private-university setting with strong pre-law support and access to politics through South Florida and international issues. For political science specifically, William & Mary is more often the school people associate with serious undergraduate preparation in public affairs.

The classes tend to be seen as rigorous and discussion-heavy, and undergraduates often get meaningful access to faculty because the school is so focused on the liberal arts.

Miami is absolutely a credible option, especially if you are interested in international politics, Latin America, immigration, public policy tied to urban issues, or combining political science with communications, business, or public health. Being in Coral Gables near Miami gives you a different kind of opportunity set: campaigns, local government, advocacy groups, courts, and issue-based organizations in a major metropolitan area. The school also has the advantages of a larger private research university, which can make interdisciplinary study easier.

If the question is which school is more broadly regarded as stronger for political science itself, I would give the edge to William & Mary. It has the more established reputation in government-related study and the clearer track record for students heading toward law, policy, public service, and graduate work. Miami makes more sense if you specifically want the energy of a bigger university and the political/international context of South Florida, but on the political science question alone, William & Mary comes out ahead.