Which of the following is a way Americans can participate in their democracy?

Running for office is a foundational way for Americans to actively participate in their democracy. By running for elected positions, individuals have the opportunity to influence government policies, represent their communities, and engage directly in the decision-making processes that affect the lives of their fellow citizens. This participation is essential for a healthy democracy, as it promotes the idea of civic engagement and encourages diverse voices to be heard in the political arena.

Other options, while they may involve aspects of civic life, do not encapsulate the proactive involvement in governance that running for office does. Protesting can be a form of expression and dissent, but it is not a direct method of engaging in the electoral process. Traveling abroad is unrelated to democratic participation and does not entail any involvement in local or national governance. Lastly, avoiding taxes is not only unethical but also contrary to the civic duty that citizens have to support their government and community through taxation, which is essential for funding public services and infrastructure.