A kickback is a form of bribery in which a part of a sum paid for something is given to a certain individual. Kickbacks are commonly associated with political figures who hold power positions and require money to be given to them for certain things to happen, such as contracts to be approved.
Kickbacks are typically illegal, and those who are found to be receiving kickbacks can face prosecution and potentially a removal from office if they hold a political position.
An example of a kickback would be if a construction company needs approval from a city council for a contract, and one city councilor demands that 3 percent of the profits from the contract work be paid to them in order for the contract to be approved.