Final answer:
Civic virtues such as justice, moderation, and public virtue support the functioning and success of a democracy by ensuring societal happiness and placing the community's good above personal interests. Political engagement, a form of civic participation, enriches the democratic process and allows for the fulfillment of human potential in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Civic virtues are the behaviors and attitudes that support the functioning of a democratic society and foster its continued success. By exercising civic virtues such as justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue, individuals ensure the happiness of society. George Mason emphasized that a free government relies on citizens' firm adherence to these principles.
Public virtue was seen as the love of the nation and its law during pivotal eras in Greece, Rome and the idea continues to influence modern democracies. This notion of public virtue entails placing the good of the community above personal interests, a concept vital for the sustained health of a democracy.
To actively participate in a democracy, individuals must engage civically by voting, attending rallies, writing to representatives, or engaging in deliberative debates. These diverse forms of participation enrich political debate, incorporate a variety of perspectives, and support the democratic process.
Ultimately, Aristotle and Plato also connected virtues like wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice to the governance and harmony of a society. Civic virtue and political engagement enable individuals to reach their full human potential while simultaneously fostering a thriving democratic society.