What is one way that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Voting is a fundamental way for Americans to participate in their democracy. It is the process through which citizens express their preferences for government representatives and policies. By voting, individuals have the opportunity to influence the decision-making process and shape the laws and direction of their local, state, and federal governments. This civic duty is vital as it directly impacts the governance of the nation and ensures that the voices of the people are heard in a democratic society.

The other options, while important aspects of citizenship and civic responsibility, do not specifically define participation in the democratic process as directly as voting does. Joining the military contributes to national defense, paying taxes supports government functions, and completing a census provides important demographic data. However, voting uniquely empowers individuals to select their leaders and impact legislation, making it the most direct form of participation in democracy.