Political institutions refer to the formal structures and organizations that govern and regulate political processes within a society. These institutions include branches of government, political parties, electoral systems, and other entities that shape the political landscape and influence decision-making. Political institutions play a crucial role in shaping the distribution of power, determining the rules and norms of political behavior, and maintaining the stability and functioning of a political system. Research in this area often focuses on analyzing the impact of different institutional designs on political outcomes, behavior, and the overall functioning of political systems.