What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Voting and joining a political party are two fundamental ways for Americans to engage in their democracy. Participation in elections through voting allows citizens to express their preferences for leaders and policies, directly influencing government decisions and the direction of the nation.

Joining a political party offers a structured way to engage in political processes, providing individuals a platform to advocate for their ideals, collaborate with like-minded people, and participate in party activities such as primaries and conventions. This involvement not only helps individuals stay informed about political issues but also empowers them to contribute to shaping the party's agenda and candidate selection.

While the other options include activities that can contribute to civic engagement, they do not represent the same direct involvement in the democratic process as voting and party membership. For example, paying taxes is a civic duty but does not constitute active participation in democracy, and social clubs or volunteering, while valuable, do not directly impact governmental decision-making in the same way that voting and political affiliations do.