Predictability
Definition
In the context of AP US Government, predictability refers to the ability to forecast or anticipate the outcome of a governmental action or decision based on established patterns, precedents, and rules.
Analogy
Think of predictability like your favorite TV show. You know the characters so well that you can often guess what they're going to do next. Similarly, in government, if we understand how laws are made and enforced, we can often predict what will happen in certain situations.
Related terms
Precedent: A legal principle or rule created by one or more decisions of a higher court which future courts then follow.
Rule of Law: The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
Policy Making: The process by which authorities decide which actions to take to address a problem or set of problems.
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