Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Citizens' compliance refers to the extent to which individuals within a society follow and adhere to the laws, regulations, and norms set by the government. It reflects the level of cooperation between citizens and the ruling regime.
Related terms
Civil disobedience: A form of nonviolent protest or resistance carried out by citizens who intentionally violate certain laws or regulations for political reasons.
Obedience: The act of following orders or commands from an authority figure without question.
Social contract: An implicit agreement between citizens and their government in which individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and benefits provided by the state.