Increased voter turnout among youth in recent national elections notwithstanding, youth engagement in political life in the U.S. has been shown to be on the decline in recent years. This trend, as well as relatively low voter turnout in the U.S. among all age groups, makes this collection of articles on youth civic engagement and political development timely. Because democracy is by definition the rule of the people, what is it, these articles ask, that creates conditions for people in a democracy to exercise their power? Aside from electing individuals to public office, how is it that the many rather than the few become motivated and prepared to wield power? Citizen-initiated social action of one sort or another has been important throughout U.S. history. Understanding how to promote this kind of independent, citizen-initiated civic engagement is, therefore, a worthy object of consideration and study. In this article, the author shares her reflections on youth and democracy articles. In arguing for the recognition of power dynamics in youth work, the articles raise important questions for youth workers and about youth serving organizations.