A political ideology is a set of beliefs and values that shape an individual's or group's views on governance and policy-making. Ideologies guide political behavior by providing frameworks for analyzing political issues, offering solutions to societal problems, and outlining visions for the future. Common political ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism. Each ideology reflects different perspectives on the role of government, individual rights, and economic systems. Understanding political ideologies helps to clarify the motivations of actors in the political arena and informs public debate on critical issues.