Which term describes the belief that an individual can influence political processes?

• A. Political efficacy.
• B. Free rider problem.
• C. Realignment.
• D. Partisan identity.

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested here is political efficacy—the belief that a person can influence political processes. When someone feels they have the ability to understand political issues and to affect outcomes, they’re exercising internal efficacy; when they also believe the government will respond to their actions, that’s a broader sense of efficacy. This belief helps explain why people participate in politics, such as voting, contacting representatives, or joining civic groups.

The other terms don’t fit this question as well. The free rider problem describes enjoying benefits of collective action without contributing to it, a coordination issue rather than a sense of personal influence. Realignment refers to a major shift in political party coalitions and voter bases, not a person’s perceived power to affect politics. Partisan identity is about loyalty to a party, which influences voting behavior but doesn’t specifically capture the belief in one’s own ability to influence political processes.

So, the term that best matches “belief that an individual can influence political processes” is political efficacy.