Citizenship - Civic Participation

Participation in civil and political matters can make a difference, and unites and organizes like-minded people to work on behalf of shared democratic ideals. Forms of civic participation include voting, donating to a campaign, campaigning for a candidate, writing a political representative or newspaper editor, lobbying the government, or running for office. Other forms of civic participation include volunteering and protecting others out of a sense of commitment to the democratic community. Voting is a popular form of civic participation and an act of self government. Citizens cast a vote for a government representative, or indicate their support or opposition to an issue listed on the ballot.