🗳️ap comparative government review

Civil Society Organizations

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Civil society organizations refer to non-governmental organizations that are formed by citizens to promote social, political, or economic goals and provide services to the community. They operate independently from the government and have a voluntary membership.