This textbook aims to introduce people aged 17 to 70 to the field of politics and the science that analyzes political processes, using language that is easy to understand. It explains what politics is, how to differentiate between political systems, how political decisions are made, where the centers of power lie within each system, and how political power is controlled. Additional sections address the political actors in democracy: parties, associations, social movements, citizen initiatives, and mass media. A dedicated chapter focuses on political extremism and its causes. The author also extensively discusses the interactions between politics and economics, as understanding these is essential for accurately assessing political processes. The fundamentals of international relations are also covered.