politics

Politics refers to processes by which groups make collective decisions about resource allocation, policy goals, and governance. It involves conflict and cooperation, power and legitimacy. It encompasses both the formal institutions and informal mechanisms by which publics are organized.

Political systems vary widely. In democracies, leaders are elected, and power is constrained by constitutions, rule of law, and civil liberties. In autocracies, power is concentrated in a single authority or small group. Hybrid regimes combine elements of both. Institutions include legislatures, executives, judiciaries, bureaucracies, political parties, interest groups, media, and civil society.

Core processes include elections, representation, policy formulation, budgeting, and administration. Political actors seek to mobilize constituencies, influence public opinion, and negotiate compromises. The legitimacy of governance depends on consent, effectiveness, accountability, and adherence to rights and laws.

Politics is studied across disciplines: political science analyzes institutions, behavior, and policy outcomes; subfields include comparative politics, political theory, public administration, public policy, and international relations. Methods range from qualitative analysis to quantitative modelling.

Key concepts include power, legitimacy, authority, sovereignty, governance, political culture, ideology, and public policy. The field considers both domestic politics and international relations, recognizing that politics shapes and is shaped by economic development, social movements, technology, and global interdependence.