Political corruption refers to the misuse of power by government officials for personal gain. This can include bribery, where officials accept money or favors in exchange for favorable decisions, or nepotism, where they favor friends or family in job placements or contracts. Such actions undermine public trust and can lead to ineffective governance. Corruption can take many forms, including embezzlement, where officials steal public funds, and fraud, where they deceive the public or other officials. It often results in a lack of accountability and transparency, harming the overall functioning of democracy and the well-being of citizens.