Representative Democracy
The United States Government is a representative republic.  Candidates that fill positions in local, State and Federal bodies of government are chosen in regular elections to provide public services for people within their jurisdiction.  Local reps are guided by position outlines provided by the State, Constitutions, laws, and ethical standards.  Elected and appointed public servants can be held accountable by citizens in a court of law or in the process of reelections.

Becoming Governmental
Motivation to become governmental can be driven by public service motivation.  A desire to serve the public, make a difference in the community, and promote the general welfare by solving community problems, correcting injustices, and improving the lives of others by shaping laws, policies, and the structure of society.  Deliver public resources and build trust in institutions.

Governmental: adjective. relating to or dealing with the affairs or structure of government or politics or the state.

A person can become a member of government to mold it from within or develop relations with public servants based on a goal to accomplish.  Life experiences can lead a person to identify corrections that should be made in the local community that a rep can address.  

Since Americans possess the ability to encourage future actions or contest past actions of reps, research candidates to elect who will likely deliver your personal ideals while in office.  Monitor reps while in office to identify missteps that are correctable through general conversation, complaints, a court of law or reelections that are challenged by spreading the word locally about personal experiences a rep performed.

Enter the government by running for office to form or promote legislation as a member of the legislative branch, uphold it through executive power, or consider its bearing on people in the judicial branch.  Candidacy is established according to the positon of interest.  

Develop Governmental Abilities:
Research to understand the basic structure of government at local, county, state and federal levels to understand how to utilize the services within them and to more clearly understand news releases involving them.

Interact with hired employees of government and representatives to share personal thoughts on local matters or concerns resulting from experience.  

Share your experiences, concerns, insights or expectations with local public servants by phone, email or attending public meets for conversations.   

Run for office if motivated to influence the government from within.  Research to form a plan and become a competent candidate.

Governmental Actions of Citizens
Understand Role of Citizens in Municipal, County, State and Federal Levels of Government
Elect Representatives that Promote Personal Interests in Government
Become Experienced with Researching Online
Municipal and County Charters are Constitutions of Government
Monitor and Inform Representatives
Learn Structure of Bodies in U.S. Government
Gain Access to Federal Code and State Legislation Online
Understand Role of Government Positions and Responsibilities Online
Municipal, State and Federal Levels of Government are Guided by Established Procedures and Laws
Attend Townhalls and City Council Meetings
Inform Local and State Representatives of Public Concern and Interests
Review State and Federal Constitutions
Run for Public Office
Locate Government Data Available to Public Online
Lobby
Join Advocacy Groups
Petitions and Ballot Initiatives
Campaign Volunteering and Donations
Internet activism
Shape public opinion through media
Inform the Media
Engage with Think-Tanks
Protests & Rallies

Advocacy Networks: Decentralized, collaborative coalitions of NGOs, activists, and institutions united by shared values and information exchange to influence policy, social change, and human rights. These networks operate across local to international levels, mobilizing information to change the behavior of governments and organizations, often through campaigns on issues like health, environment, or civil rights.

Digital Organizing: Involves using digital tools such as social media, email, and databases to mobilize people for social change, or structuring personal/professional data (files, photos, emails) to increase productivity and reduce clutter. It combines strategic, relational-based outreach with technology to build community power or streamline digital workflows. 

Citizen Initiative Reviews: Citizens’ Initiative Reviews are a randomly selected representative group of voters who thoroughly and fairly evaluate ballot measures and write a Citizens Statement that provides voters with essential objective information they need to vote.

Local Action Boards: Such as Community Action Agency (CAA) boards, are governing bodies that oversee local initiatives, often focusing on community development, social services, and poverty reduction using public funding. They facilitate community-level decision-making, including health, housing, and voter access, often partnering with local governments.

Nonprofit Organizing: Structure a nonprofit by defining a clear mission, establishing a board of directors, and filing for incorporation and tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)). Key components include drafting bylaws, setting up financial systems, creating a business plan, and selecting a structure (e.g., hierarchical or flat) that fits your size and goals. 

Restoring Voting Rights: Activists are heavily involved in organizing to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals and ensuring they are included in democratic processes.

Ballot Initiatives: Citizens use the initiative process to bypass legislative inaction and directly influence laws.

“Gyms” of Democracy: There is a growing effort to treat local, state, and community meetings as “gyms” for practicing democracy, designed to build “civic muscles” and allow for better collaboration on local issues.

Technology-Supported Deliberation: New approaches are combining in-person meetings with online platforms to maximize engagement and minimize the logistical barriers to participating in local government.

Community Lawyering: The Citizen Advocacy Center uses legal, educational, and organizing tools to protect public assets and ensure that citizens can participate meaningfully in government decision-making.

Citizens’ Assemblies are a promising method for increasing public engagement in government decisions. Its members form a representative cross section of the public who discuss and make recommendations on important issues. Citizens’ assemblies can help address these public priorities that transcend national borders. Citizens’ assemblies deepen public engagement in governmental decision-making.