Political theories are frameworks that help us understand how societies organize themselves and make decisions. They explore concepts like power, justice, and governance, providing insights into how political systems function. Key theories include liberalism, which emphasizes individual rights, and socialism, which advocates for collective ownership and equality. These theories also examine the role of institutions, such as democracies and autocracies, in shaping political behavior. By analyzing historical and contemporary examples, political theories offer tools for evaluating policies and understanding the complexities of human interactions within various political contexts.