A "political system" is the structure and framework through which a society governs itself and makes collective decisions. It encompasses institutions, such as executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the laws and norms that guide political behavior. Political systems can be categorized as democratic, authoritarian, or totalitarian, reflecting different degrees of citizen participation and power distribution. The functioning of a political system is influenced by cultural, historical, and socioeconomic factors, shaping how power dynamics and governance operate within a society.