political

Political is an adjective relating to the governance of a country or community, and to the activities, ideas, and institutions that shape public policy and decision making. The term derives from the Greek polis (city-state) and entered English via Latin politicus, evolving to refer to matters of government, power, and the public sphere.

In scholarly usage, politics is the process by which groups resolve disputes over resources and values. Political science studies political systems, behavior, institutions, policy-making, and political economy. Core topics include elections, parties, constitutions, laws, governance, and international relations.

Political systems vary widely, including democracies, autocracies, monarchies, and federations, each with mechanisms for representation and accountability. Ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism, and environmentalism provide frameworks for policy and identity. Related concepts include political culture, public opinion, media influence, interest groups, and lobbying.

The term is also used in everyday speech to describe things pertaining to government or policy, as well as to power dynamics in organizations. It can carry neutral, favorable, or critical connotations depending on context and perspective.