Self-governance is a fundamental principle across all political systems, emphasizing that individuals collectively hold the ultimate influence over governance, whether through active participation or conscious inaction. In democratic contexts, citizens directly shape political decisions, while in authoritarian regimes, power is centralized, yet the regime relies on the population's support or compliance. People may accept the status quo out of fear, satisfaction, or resignation, thereby choosing inaction, which sustains the regime. Political change occurs when individuals act collectively through protests, voting, or organizing, illustrating the importance of active engagement in transforming governance. In contrast, inaction, such as low voter turnout or apathy, perpetuates existing structures. The idea of “free ridership” emphasizes that without perceived stakes, individuals often opt out of participation, reinforcing current systems. Ultimately, governance is contingent on the choices of the people, either actively participating or passively accepting their circumstances. This ongoing spectrum of action and inaction reflects the continuous nature of self-governance, affirming that the people’s agency is central to the political process, regardless of the regime type. Thus, whether through engagement or acceptance, self-governance remains a manifestation of collective human agency.

Politics is a complex field involving the decision-making processes in groups and the exercise of power among individuals. It encompasses various political systems, primarily categorized as democracy and totalitarianism. Democracy, which means "rule of the people," can be practiced directly or through representatives, with most modern societies adopting representative democracy. Totalitarianism, on the other hand, centralizes power, suppressing individual rights for state benefit, with examples including communist regimes and right-wing fascism. Modern political classifications include closed autocracies, electoral autocracies, electoral democracies, and liberal democracies, reflecting varying degrees of citizen participation and rights. The term "politics," derived from the Greek "polis," and related to "political," has evolved to encompass more than governance, including issues of power, authority, and societal organization. Scholars like Robert Dahl define power as the influence over others' actions, while others, like Harold Lasswell, focus on resource distribution within politics. Overall, the study of politics reveals a dynamic landscape of authority, governance, and the ongoing struggle between different interest groups, highlighting the significance of political engagement in shaping social order and justice.