Final answer:
Barriers to citizens participating in the democratic process include institutional obstacles like voter ID laws, social factors such as apathy and lack of political knowledge, and systemic issues like voter suppression and special interest politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Barriers to citizens taking part in the democratic process include a variety of institutional and social factors. Institutional barriers, such as voter ID laws and limited access to polling places, disproportionately affect minorities and the poor, leading to lower turnout among these populations. Other issues such as voter intimidation, mistrust in the government, and the high costs of elections serve to discourage voter participation globally. Furthermore, apathy, lack of political education, and the feeling that one's vote doesn't matter also prevent citizens from engaging in the democratic process. Special interest politics can skew the democratic process by elevating the voices and needs of a select few over the general populace, often leading to disillusionment among voters. Additionally, the flaws inherent in any political system, including potential moral hazards of electoral choices and voter suppression tactics, further complicate the participation of citizens in the democratic process. It is essential for a democracy to have an informed and active electorate to properly reflect the will of the people.