According to Elazar, what framework is described as the way of life of a people?

The concept that best describes the "way of life of a people" according to Elazar is political culture. Political culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape a society's political behavior and institutions. It reflects the collective experiences, history, and identity of a community, influencing how citizens perceive government, their role in it, and their expectations from their political leaders.

Political ideology, while related, refers more specifically to a set of beliefs about the best form of government and the ideal social order. It does not encompass the broader social customs and shared practices that make up a way of life.

A political system is more about the structure and functioning of governance, detailing how power is distributed and exercised within a state rather than how a community lives and interacts with those political structures.

The political process involves the actions and interactions through which political decisions are made, including voting, campaigning, and legislative procedures. It's an aspect of the overall political culture but does not capture the essence of how a society defines its collective identity and lifestyle.

Thus, political culture is fundamentally about the shared way of life that informs and guides the political dynamics of a community.