Political parties differ significantly across various political systems. In democratic systems, parties compete openly in free and fair elections, focusing on ideology, policy platforms, and popularity. In contrast, authoritarian regimes may restrict party formation or dictate their function to maintain control, often leading to a single-party system. Additionally, some systems, like parliamentary democracies, emphasize coalition-building among parties, while others may feature a two-party or multi-party landscape, impacting governance and policy-making processes. The structure and character of political parties are crucial in shaping the overall political environment.