political reforms
Systematic governmental improvements
Political reforms are changes to governmental systems, policies, or institutions intended to improve how power is exercised or distributed.
The term usually implies gradual, lawful change rather than revolution: The movement pushed for political reforms including term limits and campaign finance transparency.
Reform efforts often target voting rights, corruption, or representation: Electoral reforms expanded access to the ballot.
- checks and balancesConstitutional power-limiting framework
- constitutional amendmentsFormal changes to governing document
- separation of powersConstitutional distribution of authority
- judicial independenceFreedom of courts from control
- federalismDivided governmental authority system
democracy · good governance · decentralization · election monitoring · ballot box · term limits · power-sharing · regime change · compulsory voting · anti-corruption laws · proportional representation · transparency initiatives · smoke-filled rooms · level playing field · ranked-choice voting · devolution · public consultations · town hall meetings
- PortugalLisbon, Porto, Algarve, Oporto, Madeira
- UK PoliticsHouse of Commons, House of Lords, MP, Tory, Downing Street
- Modern JapanTokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Hirohito, economic miracle
- TaiwanTaiwan, Taipei, Taichung, Formosa, Republic of China
- Hungary 1989democratic transition, regime change, round table talks, free elections, border opening
- Italian RepublicChristian Democrats, coalition governments, coalition government, political coalitions, PCI
political reformsstatus quo
Existing condition of affairs
conservatism · entrenchment · traditionalism · reaction · stasis
political reformsretrenchment
Reduction of expenditures
rollback · backsliding · restoration · repeal
political reformsrevolution
Violent governmental overthrow
political repression · political upheaval · coup d'état · violent overthrow · insurrection