Question

Using complete sentences, explain how civic participation in all aspects of early city life contributed to city growth and prosperity. Does civic participation have an impact on the development of modern cities in democratic societies? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:

As early cities and countries grew, the governments supervising them grew as well, developing representative governments (governments in which elected or appointed officials represent different territories). The city also became a place for civic participation in government. Athens was an early city where this took place, with the creation of an early democratic form of government. The development of a democratic government in Athens gave key citizens the chance to speak their voice in the city, further driving city growth by encouraging stronger citizenship. Athens indicated that citizens who could participate in a city’s government were stronger citizens. As societies grew, city governments became more representative of their people because citizens voiced needs directly or through their city representatives. Cities grew as participation in government choices encouraged stronger citizenship.

Today, civic participation increasingly has an impact on modern urban development, at least in democratic societies. Citizens can voice their opinions on how to spend resources, such as on new parks or infrastructure. Citizens vote for their leaders, from city council members to mayors. In a democratic society, it is important for officials to be responsive to citizens' wants and needs if they want to be re-elected.

Answer 2

Basically, Civic Participation or Civic Engagement contribution to city growth and prosperity is that there will be an individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues to public concerns. The citizens will work together to make change or difference in the community They will work together in both political and non-political actions inorder to address public concerns and promote the quality community. When this will be done in democratic way there should be an impact on the development of the modern cities.