Political system

A political system is the institutions, rules, and processes through which a society makes and enforces collective decisions and distributes political power.

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State: A political organization with a population, territory, governing institutions, and sovereignty. The state is the central institution through which political systems exercise public authority.
Separation of powers: The division of governmental authority among distinct branches to limit concentrated power. It shapes how a system distributes authority among institutions.
Democracy: A form of government in which political authority is ultimately grounded in the people. Democratic systems give citizens a formal role in selecting rulers and shaping decisions.
Political participation: Activities through which people seek to influence political decisions or government. Institutional rules determine which forms of participation are available and effective.
Government: The institutions and people responsible for directing public affairs and exercising executive authority. Governments operate within political systems and make decisions on behalf of the polity.
Checks and balances: Arrangements that let branches of government constrain one another's powers. These controls regulate how political institutions exercise power within a system.
Authoritarianism: A form of rule that concentrates political power and restricts meaningful political competition. It contrasts with systems that permit broad participation and competitive leadership selection.
Civil society: The sphere of voluntary associations and collective activity outside the state and market. Its organizations can represent interests and hold political authorities accountable.
Constitution: A body of fundamental laws and principles that establishes and limits governmental powers. Constitutions set foundational rules for institutions and the distribution of authority.
Electoral system: The rules that translate votes into elected offices or legislative seats. Electoral rules determine how public preferences become formal political representation.