What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Voting and contacting elected officials are essential ways for Americans to engage in democracy. Voting allows citizens to choose their representatives and influence legislation and policy decisions that affect their lives. It is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizenship, helping to ensure that the government reflects the will of the people.

Contacting elected officials is equally important as it empowers citizens to express their opinions, advocate for issues, and request support on various matters. This kind of engagement fosters a responsive government, enabling individuals to hold their representatives accountable.

The other choices, while relevant to civic participation, do not encapsulate the core ways in which citizens directly influence government through democratic processes as effectively as the combination of voting and contacting officials does.