Political patronage impacts governance by establishing networks of loyalty and influence that can shape decision-making processes. In systems where patronage is prevalent, leaders may allocate resources or positions based on political loyalty rather than merit, leading to inequitable outcomes. This practice often results in widespread corruption and inefficiency, undermining public trust in government. While patronage can offer short-term gains for political figures, it typically fosters systemic issues that hinder effective governance and limit accountability, ultimately affecting the quality of public services.