Politics is the process by which groups of people make collective decisions. It involves the negotiation, conflict, and cooperation that occurs in the governance of a community or society. Politics encompasses a wide range of activities, including the formulation and implementation of policies, the distribution of power and resources, and the administration of public affairs. It occurs at various levels, from local governments to international relations, and can involve formal institutions like parliaments and courts, as well as informal processes such as lobbying and public debate.
Political systems can vary widely, including democracies, autocracies, monarchies, and others, each with its own methods for decision-making and authority. Political ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and nationalism, influence the way politics is understood and practiced in different contexts. Ultimately, politics is about the struggle for power and the dynamics of governance, and it impacts many aspects of human life, including law, economics, social justice, and individual rights.