This paper clarifies the relationship between representative democracy and civil society. The goal of the development of civil society is to improve the quality and standard of living of citizens, strengthening the position of the state in the international arena. The practical implementation of the democratic functions of civil society is expressed in increasing the level of civic activity of the population, developing the legal culture of citizens, improving democracy, the active inclusion of public opinion leaders in government, the development of vertical and horizontal public relations and interaction between the population and the authorities.