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Lesson 34: What Is the Importance of Civic Engagement to American Constitutional Democracy?


Terms

nongovernmental organization (NGO)  An autonomous organization independent of direct governmental control that exists to perform any of a large variety of purposes, including those dealing with humanitarian, educational, or public policy problems and issues.

voluntary associations  Autonomous organizations founded and administered by private citizens, not elected officials, devoted to any number of purposes. Voluntary associations form an essential element of the social basis of democracy, especially American democracy.

voter registration  The requirement in some democracies for citizens to enroll in voting rolls before being allowed to participate in elections.