What Is Political Efficacy? How Citizens Influence Government

In a thriving democracy, the voice of the people holds immense power. Yet, many individuals feel disconnected from political processes, unsure of their ability to influence government or create meaningful change. 

This sense of detachment often stems from low political efficacy — a belief in one’s inability to understand or affect politics.

But what exactly is political efficacy, and why does it matter? This guide will explore the definition of political efficacy, its different types, real-world examples, and actionable ways to improve political efficacy. By understanding and boosting political efficacy, you can strengthen democracy and ensure that your voice contributes to meaningful change.

Understanding Political Efficacy

At its core, political efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to understand and influence political processes. 

Political efficacy is a key ingredient for democracy, shaping voter turnout, the public perception of government responsiveness, and the strength of civil society. When citizens have high political efficacy, they are more likely to participate in elections, advocate for causes, and trust democratic institutions. Conversely, low political efficacy can lead to political apathy and weakened civic engagement.

Political efficacy plays a vital role in determining whether people feel empowered to engage in politics or alienated from decision-making structures. High political efficacy leads to active civic engagement and greater trust in public institutions, while low political efficacy often results in disillusionment and disengagement.

Internal vs. External Political Efficacy

Political efficacy has two components: internal political efficacy and external political efficacy.

Internal Political Efficacy

Internal political efficacy refers to an individual’s confidence in their ability to understand and participate in political matters.

• Example: A first-time voter researching candidates and feeling informed enough to make a choice.

• Impact: High internal political efficacy is closely tied to political knowledge and a willingness to engage in discussions about government policies.

External Political Efficacy

External political efficacy measures a person’s belief that government institutions and officials respond to public input.

• Example: A community successfully lobbying local leaders to address rising housing costs.

• Impact: When external political efficacy is high, citizens feel that their collective actions can influence policy and hold leaders accountable.

Both forms of political efficacy are crucial for sustaining a healthy democracy. Without internal political efficacy, individuals may lack the confidence to participate in democracy, while low external political efficacy can make people feel their efforts are futile.

Understanding these two dimensions highlights how political efficacy serves as one of the key ingredients for a healthy civil society. Citizens who believe in their ability to contribute to political change create a foundation for an engaged, collaborative, and responsive community.

Examples of Political Efficacy

The concept of political efficacy becomes clearer when we examine real-world examples. These scenarios highlight the difference between high and low levels of political efficacy and their impact on civic engagement.

Examples of High Political Efficacy

• A student organizing a voter registration drive on their college campus, confident it will increase voter turnout.

• A neighborhood group advocating for safer streets by working with city officials to implement traffic-calming measures.

• Volunteers for a nonprofit running a grassroots campaign to promote clean energy policies.

In these cases, individuals and groups exhibit both internal and external political efficacy. They trust their abilities to take action and believe their efforts will yield results. 

These examples also demonstrate how collective efficacy — the shared belief in a group’s ability to make an impact — can magnify the results of political participation. By working together, individuals can strengthen their communities and build trust in their collective power to influence change. 

Examples of Low Political Efficacy

• A discouraged voter avoiding elections because they feel their vote doesn’t matter.

• Community members skipping public hearings, assuming their feedback will be ignored by policymakers.

• Citizens withdrawing from political conversations altogether due to a lack of trust in government.

Low political efficacy can erode the foundations of democracy, leading to decreased participation and weakening the voice of the people in governance. It also undermines the essential ingredients for civil society, as alienation and mistrust can fracture communities and reduce opportunities for collaboration.

Why Political Efficacy Matters in Democracy

A vibrant democracy depends on engaged citizens who believe in their ability to influence the system. High political efficacy not only increases voter turnout but also strengthens civil society by encouraging public participation in government decisions.

In 2022, the Pew Research Center surveyed 19 countries on questions related to political efficacy and democracy. The study found that those who felt they could influence political systems were also more likely to be satisfied with democracy in their countries. Low political efficacy undermines public perception of trust in institutions, leading to political apathy and disconnection from political processes.

When citizens share a sense of collective efficacy, they are more likely to feel empowered to take meaningful action. For example, research from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication shows that greater collective efficacy is associated with greater participation in addressing climate change. This sense of shared responsibility is a critical ingredient for collective action, fostering collaboration and mutual trust. Whether it’s through grassroots advocacy, neighborhood meetings, or large-scale campaigns, collective efficacy helps amplify the voices of individuals, demonstrating the power of unity in creating political change.

Policymakers and educators have a role to play in fostering political efficacy. Initiatives that improve access to political knowledge, such as civic education programs or transparent communication from government institutions, can help individuals feel more empowered and engaged. When leaders address low political efficacy and show responsiveness, they reinforce the principle that government serves the voice of the people.

How to Increase Political Efficacy and Civic Engagement

If you feel disempowered, there are practical ways to boost both internal political efficacy and external political efficacy. Taking deliberate steps can strengthen your confidence and ensure your voice contributes to the democratic process.

Here are tips to increase your level of political efficacy:

Expand Your Political Knowledge

• Educate yourself about policies, government structures, and current events. If you need a place to start, check out the Politics 101 section of our blog.

• Attend workshops, participate in community forums, and read reputable news sources to deepen your understanding of political processes.

• Stay up-to-date about issues that matter to you. If you’re passionate about reducing the influence of money in politics, for instance, you can sign up for GoodParty.org’s email newsletter or follow us on social media.

Engage in Civic Activities

• Join advocacy groups or organizations focused on issues you care about.

• Volunteer for campaigns or initiatives aimed at addressing local challenges.

• Use tools like petitions, social media, and public forums to amplify your voice and influence policy decisions.

• Explore ways to get involved in local politics.

Engage with Elected Officials

• Sign up for regular updates from your elected officials. Many elected leaders have email newsletters their constituents can subscribe to.

• Track important pieces of legislation and proposals as they move through the legislative branch of government. Take note of how your elected leaders vote on the issues that matter to you.

• Write letters, make phone calls, send emails, or attend public hearings to voice your opinions.

Vote in Every Election

• Find upcoming elections near you and make your voice count. 

• Check your voter registration ahead of time, and make sure you are prepared for the next election in your area.

• Encourage your friends and family to register to vote and get to the polls on election day.

Run for Office

• Find out what local offices are coming up for election near you, and consider running for office in the next election.

• Talk with your network and local civic leaders about how you can start planning your run for office.

• Get access to the campaign support you need. Check out GoodParty.org’s free campaign tools for Independent and non-partisan candidates.

How You Can Make Your Voice Heard

Political efficacy is more than a concept; it’s a cornerstone of democracy. Understanding the definition of political efficacy and its role in shaping civil society is the first step toward becoming an empowered citizen. By increasing your own political efficacy and encouraging others to do the same, you can strengthen democracy and ensure that political processes remain responsive to the people they serve.

Whether it’s through voting, volunteering, or advocating for policies you believe in, your actions make a difference. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels empowered to participate in shaping their communities.

When individuals come together with a shared sense of collective efficacy, the potential for meaningful change grows exponentially. Your journey to stronger political efficacy begins with small, actionable steps. 

No matter how small your actions may seem, every effort contributes to strengthening democracy and ensuring that the government remains accountable to its citizens.