Political efficacy refers to the belief that individuals can influence political processes and outcomes. It encompasses two main components: internal efficacy, which is the confidence in one's own abilities to understand and participate in politics, and external efficacy, which is the belief that the government will respond to citizens' actions and opinions. High political efficacy can lead to increased civic engagement, such as voting and activism, while low efficacy may result in apathy and disengagement from the political system. Factors influencing political efficacy include education, socialization, and experiences with government institutions, such as elections and public policy.