Political systems are the structures and processes through which a government operates and makes decisions. They define how power is distributed, how leaders are chosen, and how laws are created and enforced. Common types of political systems include democracy, autocracy, and oligarchy, each with distinct methods of governance and citizen participation. In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote and influence government decisions, while in an autocracy, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group. Oligarchies involve a few individuals or families holding power, often prioritizing their interests over the general population.