Political institutions are the electoral, legislative, executive, and judicial forums where government unfolds. This track looks at how such institutions are designed, their relationship to the cultural and economic context, and the extent to which various institutions succeed in promoting aims like stability, growth, or democracy. Courses also examine the political organizations that form alongside governments such as parties, business lobbies, labor unions, and advocacy groups. Examples are drawn from mature democracies, authoritarian regimes, and developing countries.