Final answer:
Citizens can engage in political participation by writing to elected officials and donating to political campaigns, which are ways to express political will and contribute to social capital beyond voting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Citizens can participate in the political process through various means beyond voting. Two such forms of political participation are writing letters or sending emails to elected representatives, and donating money to campaigns or political causes. These individual-level actions contribute to a vibrant democracy and help individuals express their political will.
Writing to elected officials is a direct way to communicate citizens' concerns, questions, or support regarding policies and governmental actions. This form of participation allows for personal issues to be brought to the attention of those in power. Donating money to political campaigns or causes allows citizens to financially support the initiatives and candidates that align with their values and to help bring about change.
Both of these methods are important as they contribute to social capital, fostering connections and community engagement, and enabling a culture of reciprocal support and civic involvement. They are essential individual actions that can exert influence on public policy and political outcomes, complementing the process of electoral participation.