Note 1

"In a system that is ostensibly run by the people, more engagement by citizens is better."

The foregoing statement needs some unpacking.

First, in a system that does not have a democracy, the citizens are probably used to being told what to do, and don't even think of themselves as agents of governmental power. Unless the dictator decides to cede power to a democratic government (which is exceedingly rare), or a foreign nation decides to "liberate" the nation and impose democracy (which is becoming less rare), the people are going to have to take power for themselves. While a few highly motivated individuals can start the movement, they must have the support of