Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Democratization refers to the process of transitioning a government or society from an authoritarian or non-democratic system to one that is democratic, where power is held by the people and there are free and fair elections.
Civil society refers to organizations and institutions outside of the government that play a role in shaping public opinion and advocating for various causes.
Political participation involves citizens engaging in activities such as voting, protesting, or joining interest groups to influence political decisions.