9781422282755

Chapter One

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

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Words to Understand

democracy: a political system in which citizens hold all or most political power. interest group: an organization that is not a political party, but attempts to influence politics or the government. national service: a period of voluntary or mandatory government service. political participation: activities that influence, support, or just involve a nation’s political culture and system. terrorism: political violence designed to intimidate or coerce people and governments to accept the aims of the perpetrators. tyranny: rule by a small group or single person.

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D emocracy has become the most common form of government around the world. It provides the best way to prevent tyranny . Democracies rely on their citizens to play a role in decision-making processes, political activities, and the

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