Reform refers to the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc.[1] The modern usage of the word emerged in the late 18th century and is believed to have originated fromChristopher Wyvill'sAssociation movement, which identified “Parliamentary Reform” as its primary aim.[2] Reform is generally considered antithetical torevolution.
Developing countries may implement a range of reforms to improve living standards, often with support frominternational financial institutions andaid agencies. This can involve reforms tomacroeconomic policy, thecivil service, andpublic financial management.
In the United States,rotation in office orterm limits would, in contrast, be more revolutionary,[citation needed] by altering basic political connections between incumbents and constituents.[note 1]Reform capacity might be limited by the political system orstate capacity.[3]
When used to describe something which is physically formed again, such as re-casting (moulding) or aband that gets back together, the proper term isre-form (with ahyphen), not "reform".[citation needed]
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