Democratization Transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime. Typically moves toward more competition, fairness, and transparency in elections, increased citizen participation in policy-making processes, universal suffrage for adult citizens, greater governmental transparency, protected civil rights and liberties, equal treatment of citizens, and establishment of the rule of law.
Democratic Consolidation Process by which a democratic regime matures in terms of election rules, separation of powers, and protection of civil liberties, making it unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.