Final answer:
Civic virtues are crucial because they motivate individuals to engage responsibly in civic life, ensuring that democratic societies reflect the will of the people and serve the public interest through active participation and governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Civic virtues are essential to a democratic society because they underpin the responsibility and ethics of citizens in upholding the values of democracy. Such virtues encourage citizens to participate in civic life, exercise their political rights responsibly, and engage in activities such as voting, volunteering, and advocating for change.
Civic engagement ensures that the government reflects the will of the people and operates for their benefit, rather than serving a select few. Participation in various forms, whether through individual efforts or collective movements, can lead to significant changes in public policy and social norms. This is why civic virtues, which include justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue, are important—they inspire individual action that leads to collective representation and the flourishing of a representative democracy.