A political dynasty refers to a family or lineage that maintains political power across generations. This phenomenon can significantly impact local governance by consolidating authority and limiting opportunities for new political leaders to emerge. Political dynasties often leverage their established networks, resources, and name recognition to secure electoral victories, which can perpetuate the same policies and governance styles. While they may provide stability, critics argue that dynasties can lead to elitism and reduce democratic participation. Ultimately, the presence of political dynasties can affect the responsiveness and diversity of political representation in local governance.