Political autonomy refers to the ability of a group or region to govern itself and make decisions independently from a larger governing body. This can include having control over local laws, policies, and resources, allowing communities to address their unique needs and interests. Political autonomy is often sought by minority groups or regions that feel their voices are not adequately represented in a central government. Regions with political autonomy may have varying degrees of self-governance, ranging from complete independence to limited powers within a larger state. Examples include Catalonia in Spain and Scotland in the United Kingdom, where these areas have their own parliaments and can legislate on certain issues while still being part of their respective countries.