CIVIC FATIGUE AND DISENGAGEMENT — WEBQUESTWhen Participation Feels Overwhelming ESSENTIAL QUESTION What causes civic fatigue and disengagement, and how do they affect democratic participation and public life? BACKGROUND Civic fatigue refers to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, or apathy toward politics and civic life that develop when individuals feel overwhelmed, unheard, or powerless. Disengagement occurs when people withdraw from civic activities such as voting, following public issue