Final answer:
Social capital refers to the connections among individuals' social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. It encourages political participation by reinforcing social bonds and networks and by creating an environment of mutual help and positive interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social capital is the connections among individuals' social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. It refers to the idea that individuals form connections that benefit their own interests, and these social networks create communities that produce norms of reciprocity. Social capital encourages political participation by reinforcing social bonds and networks and by creating an environment where people feel obligated to help one another in positive ways.