---
title: "Elections — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Elections are formal processes for choosing leaders through voting, but in AP Comp Gov what matters is whether they're truly competitive across the six course countries."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/elections"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Elections — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Elections are formal processes where citizens choose their representatives or leaders through voting. They provide an opportunity for people to express their preferences and have a say in shaping the government.

## Related Study Guides

- [Unit 1 Overview: Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments](/ap-comp-gov/unit-1/review/study-guide/3BVr8P5qDS5IEQAcp86R)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections.
- [Electoral Systems](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/electoral-systems): The rules and procedures used to translate votes into seats or positions of power within a government.
- Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their ballots during an election.