The influences of the civil society on a political system

The influences of the civil society on a political system
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How does civil society influence political systems? Civil society organizations act almost as intermediaries between the public and the state. It serves as a mouthpiece between the two. Civil society groups are assumed to be radical groups that are anti government. In the mid and late twentieth century, civil society was a term used by the opposition and rebel groups in socialist countries to explain formation of autonomous institutions, which aimed at establishing democracy. This assumption therefore means that civil society undermines the stability of any government. It also means that civil society organizations weaken and divides political parties and government institutions. On the other hand, civil society is viewed as a way to advance democracy. Civil society has helped in opening up political competition, boosting multipartism, and guaranteeing civil and political rights. This is because they improve accountability, and also alter the power balance between the public and the state. Civil society organizations also enhance values of liberal democracy. The organizations have also led to building economic reforms. Civil society organizations help to disseminate policy information to the public. They also provide forums in which stakeholders carry out debates on particular issues related to government and society (Douglas, 2001).
It has been argued that civil society should augment support for political systems through building trust and active participation in issues. Civil society also represents interests in political bargaining. They also take part in political campaigns and take part in policy implementation. Civil society organizations also gather information; carry out research and formulate strategies. On the contrary, civil society may contribute to dissent of a political system by not providing support especially during a crisis. Civil society organizations create stakeholder and public forums for interactions and engagement on political issues (Clarke, 1991). Civil society engages with government through the use of press manifestos, memos, informal advice, open discussions and legislative proposals. However, political mobilization by civil society could lead to political protests that may lead to political instability in some countries. The Civil society plays an important role in supporting the building of democratic political systems especially in developing countries (Clarke, 1991). They help in strengthening democracies (Pearce, 2000). This occurs with high levels of social mobilization. For proponents of civil society, involvement in the political system builds faith, facilitates teamwork, and advances political engagement. All this empowers citizens to insist on liability from their government. The government is sometimes not able to meet all the public demands but ...