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CHAPTER ONE: POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

are two broad categories of political participation, formal and informal. Formal forms of participation include those sponsored by government, while informal types are organized and led by people outside of the government. Voting is the most important form of formal political participation. Governing a country is too complex for all citizens to cast votes on every single issue, so elections are held to choose people who will represent voters’ interests and make decisions on their behalf. Elections are organized by governments to give people regular access to political power (some forms of elections are overseen by nongovernmental bodies, such as political parties). Voting rights and different types of elections are discussed in further detail in subsequent chapters.

Members of Malaysia’s national service on standby during the 57th National Day Parade of Malaysia at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur.

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