The "political compass" refers to a framework used for ideological analysis, typically visualizing political beliefs across two axes: economic (left-right) and social (authoritarian-libertarian). This tool allows individuals to articulate their political positions more comprehensively than a simple linear spectrum. It facilitates understanding complex ideological landscapes by categorizing beliefs about government intervention, personal freedoms, social issues, and economic policies. The political compass has become popular for analyzing party platforms and guiding voters in aligning their views with corresponding political entities.