Political patronage in democracies involves the practice of appointing individuals to government positions based on their support and loyalty to a particular political party rather than their qualifications. This system creates a network of supporters who are rewarded with jobs, contracts, and favors in exchange for their allegiance. While patronage can strengthen party loyalty and enable quicker policy implementation, it often leads to corruption and inefficiency. Critics argue that it undermines meritocracy and creates a politically motivated bureaucracy that prioritizes party goals over public service. Consequently, the balance between genuine representation and political loyalty becomes a contentious issue in democratic systems.