A political map shows both countries and states.

Explanation:
- A political map is a type of map that represents the boundaries of countries and states or provinces within a country. It provides a visual representation of political divisions and helps us understand the geographical distribution of political units.
- The primary purpose of a political map is to display the boundaries of countries and states, along with their names and capital cities. It helps us identify and locate specific political entities.
- Political maps are commonly used in various fields, including education, government, and research. They are helpful for studying geography, understanding international relations, planning travels, and analyzing political systems.
- Countries are the largest political units depicted on a political map. They are sovereign nations with their own government, laws, and borders. Examples of countries include the United States, Canada, India, and China.
- States, on the other hand, are subnational political divisions within a country. They have their own governments, but they are ultimately governed by the central government of the country. Examples of states include California, Texas, New York, and Florida in the United States.
- Political maps usually use different colors or patterns to distinguish between countries and states. The boundaries are clearly marked, and labels indicate the names of countries and states. Capital cities are often marked with special symbols, such as stars or dots.
- By studying a political map, we can gain a better understanding of the political structure of a region or country. It helps us visualize the distribution of power and the relationships between different political entities.
- Overall, a political map is a valuable tool for exploring and understanding the political divisions of the world, including both countries and states. It provides a comprehensive overview of the political landscape and aids in various educational and analytical purposes.