Which of the following is a trait of a civil society?

A trait of a civil society is its independence from both government and business. This independence is crucial because it allows organizations and groups within civil society to operate freely and advocate for the interests of the public without undue influence or pressure from outside entities. A vibrant civil society typically includes non-governmental organizations, community groups, and various advocacy associations that foster civic participation and engage in dialogue about social and political issues, all while maintaining their autonomy.

In contrast, government ownership would undermine this independence, as entities would be subject to state control and directives. Influence from foreign powers can also disrupt the integrity and autonomy of civil society organizations, aligning them with external interests rather than the needs and agendas of local communities. Additionally, when media is controlled by political parties, it limits the scope of free expression and access to diverse viewpoints essential to a functioning civil society. All of these factors would compromise the ability of civil society to operate effectively and represent the interests of the public.