Politics

Politics refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence the governance of a society. It encompasses the study of government systems, political behavior, and the roles of individuals and groups in shaping laws and public policy. Politics involves decision-making processes that affect both individual lives and collective societal outcomes. It includes a wide range of activities such as campaigning, lobbying, and advocacy, where various interests compete for attention and resources. Politics can occur on local, national, or international levels and can involve formal institutions like legislatures and agencies, as well as informal networks and movements. Central to politics is the concept of power—who holds it, how it is acquired, and how it is exercised or challenged. Political ideologies, such as democracy, authoritarianism, socialism, and liberalism, shape the frameworks through which political systems operate and respond to the needs and rights of citizens.