Refers to the systems through which societies govern themselves at local, state/provincial/regional, national levels; includes processes such as elections, legislation-making bodies (like Congress), executive branches (like the presidency), judiciary systems (courts), etc., as well as the study of these systems and processes.
Related terms
Democracy: A system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.
Authoritarianism: A form of government characterized by strong central authority and limited individual freedoms, often without meaningful democratic processes.
Bureaucracy: The administrative structure and personnel responsible for implementing laws, regulations, and policies within a government.