---
title: "Political Change — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Political change is the alteration of a state's institutions, policies, or regime. Know how reform, revolution, and coups drive it across all six AP countries."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/political-change"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Political Change — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Political change refers to the process of altering or transforming the structure, systems, or policies within a government or political system.

## Related Study Guides

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

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Revolution](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/revolution): A sudden and radical change in the government or social order, often accompanied by violence.
- Reform: The process of making gradual changes to existing laws, policies, or institutions in order to improve them.
- [Coup d'état](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/coup-detat): An illegal and typically violent seizure of power from a government by a small group, usually carried out by military forces.