Political participation

Political participation comprises activities through which people seek to influence political decisions or choose representatives, from voting and campaigning to protest and contacting officials.

Voting: A procedure through which people express choices among candidates, policies, or other options. Casting a ballot is the most widespread formal way to choose representatives.
Election campaign: An organized effort to secure votes for a candidate or political party. Campaigning lets participants persuade others and help select representatives.
Conventional political participation: Participation through established political channels such as voting, campaigning, and contacting representatives. It distinguishes institutionally accepted activities from disruptive or extra-institutional action.
Political representation: The relationship through which elected or appointed actors speak and act for a population. Participation helps determine who represents whom and which interests reach institutions.
Political efficacy: A person’s belief that they can understand politics and influence political decisions. Perceived ability to affect government helps explain whether people participate.
Lobbying: Attempts to influence public officials or legislation on behalf of interests or causes. It channels organized participation directly toward policymakers.
Unconventional political participation: Political action outside routine institutional channels, including disruptive protest and civil disobedience. It contrasts with participation conducted through established electoral and representative processes.
Public policy: The decisions and actions through which governments address public problems and goals. Political action can shape which issues governments address and what they do.
Civic engagement: Individual and collective involvement in activities that address public concerns and community life. It is a broader sphere that includes political as well as nonpolitical public action.
Petition: A formal request, often bearing multiple signatures, asking an authority to take or avoid an action. Petitions aggregate public demands and present them to decision-makers.

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