Civil society is today one of the key instruments for development of the co-untry as a whole. Governments in democratic countries and developing states focus their policies and activities reforms on involving citizens. And encourag-ing their participation and activism is a key element of sustainable development. The article focuses on civil society apparition, its functions, challenges and perspectives in democratic societies. We will analyze how local governments promote policies for strengthening civic society and finally, if civic society deve-lop community in all spheres of society. Together with citizens, the institutions of civic society, the community sector sits at the heart of the Government’s am-bitions to create a big society. We recognize and value the special ability of co-mmunity organizations to mobilize and support people, particularly those who sometimes struggle to find a voice. Key words: political participation, government authorities, civic society in-stitutions, governance reforms, human rights, responsibilities, citizens, politics