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
Democratic reform refers to the process of making changes to a political system to increase citizen participation, protect individual rights, and promote fair elections.
Related terms
Political Liberalization: Political liberalization refers to the relaxation of government control over political activities and the expansion of civil liberties. It often accompanies democratic reform efforts.
An electoral system is the set of rules that determine how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a representative assembly. Changes in the electoral system can be part of democratic reform initiatives.
Civil society refers to organizations and institutions outside of the government that work towards promoting public interests and social change. These organizations often play a crucial role in advocating for democratic reforms.