Political patronage affects governance by creating systems of favoritism where political leaders provide jobs, contracts, or benefits to loyal supporters. While patronage can help maintain political stability and build coalitions, it can also lead to corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. This practice often undermines merit-based systems, leading to poor governance and public disillusionment. Patronage networks can stifle effective policymaking, as decision-making may prioritize loyalty over qualifications, ultimately harming the integrity of political institutions.