Final answer:
The right to vote in a democracy and the associated civic duty to participate in elections is best defined by Universal suffrage, a key democratic principle that allows citizens to vote free of discrimination. Therefore, the correct option is C. Universal suffrage
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle that bestows both the right to vote in a democracy and the civic duty to do so is C. Universal suffrage. Universal suffrage is a fundamental aspect of democratic systems, where adults have the right to vote without restrictions based on race, sex, belief, wealth, or social status. Voting is considered a political right and also a civic responsibility, essential for the functioning of a democratic society.
While the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly state the right to vote, amendments and various laws have been put in place to protect this right. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was crucial in eliminating discriminatory practices that restricted voting rights based on race, and decisions like Reynolds v. Sims by Chief Justice Earl Warren emphasized the importance of the right to vote for a democratic society.