A political system refers to the set of institutions, practices and values that define how a country or region is governed. It includes the government, its policies, laws, and processes for making decisions, as well as the relationships between different branches of power such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The political system also encompasses the mechanisms by which citizens participate in decision-making through voting or other forms of civic engagement. Overall, a political system is designed to manage conflict and allocate resources within society while representing the interests of its citizens.