political participation enforces the way things are, but can also create change political culture collective orientation of a society toward its political system - norms of polictical activity it influences the ideology and governmental design of a political system and determines how individuals collectively support and participate in that political system many forms of participation don't all have the same effect on the government civil society *voluntary associations* that are *separate from the state* and that helps *mediate state power and enhances power of the citizens* overlap in different groups overlap with private sector and the public sector Political culture authoritarian countries - China - rejection of democracy - primary mode of citizen participation - protest. Weak civil society, consistently low levels of participation. - Russia - charismatic leader consolidating power - primary mode of citizen participation protest and voting. Weak civil society. - Iran - few freedoms despite republican and electoral structures - primary modes of citizen participation - protest and voting. Weak civil society Political culture democratic countries - Nigeria - deeply corrupt, weak state - primary modes of citizen participation protest, voting, free media. Moderate consistent civil society participation. - Mexico - corruption and reform, democratization weakened the state but anti-corruption and democratization efforts continue - citizens have full access to all modes of political participation but may self-censor. Moderate civil society. - United Kingdom - fully democratic - citizens enjoy full access to all modes of political participation and corruption is generally low. Strong civil society.