The term "political efficacy" refers to the belief that individuals can influence political processes and that their participation matters. It encompasses two aspects: internal efficacy, which is the confidence in one's understanding of politics, and external efficacy, the belief that the government responds to citizens' demands. High levels of political efficacy can lead to increased voter turnout and civic engagement, while low efficacy can contribute to apathy and disengagement. In essence, political efficacy shapes individuals' willingness to participate in the democratic process and impacts the overall health of a political system.