The term "political participation" entails the various ways individuals engage in the political process, including voting, campaigning, joining political parties, and participating in activism. It reflects citizens' right and duty to be involved in shaping their governance, ensuring that their voices are heard. Political participation can vary in formality and intensity, ranging from attending town hall meetings to running for office. High levels of participation are crucial for a healthy democracy, as they often correlate with greater representativeness and accountability within political systems.