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 and practice of decision-making processes, the exercise of authority, and the organization of groups and institutions in pursuit of collective goals. Politics is concerned with the dynamics of power relations, including how power is distributed, contested, and exercised within a community or state.
In a broader sense, politics can also involve the interplay of individual interests and public policy, as well as the roles of various actors, such as politicians, political parties, interest groups, and citizens. Political systems can vary widely, including democracies, autocracies, monarchies, and more, each featuring unique mechanisms for decision-making and governance. Political theory examines the philosophical underpinnings, ideologies, and ethical considerations of governance and power dynamics. Ultimately, politics is an essential aspect of society, shaping laws, rights, and the organization of communities.