Abstract
In today's world, the preferred regime for developed countries is democracy. The main principles of a democratic system are: equality, free elections, multi-party system, rule of law, pluralism, secularism, transparency, constitutional guarantees, separation of powers and civil society. The purpose of non-governmental organizations is to solve their problems by joining together voluntarily. Non-governmental organizations perform various activities such as political, cultural, economic, and social functions. Non-governmental organizations, which have come into being under different names as foundations, trade unions, associations and associations, have common features that are common to all, although the organizational form and activities they engage in are different. Although the organization and functions of non-governmental organizations are different, they share common characteristics. General features of civil society organizations: autonomy from the state, volunteerism, no expectation of profit and work in the collective interest. The main purpose of this study is to reveal ideas about the development of the concept of civil society in the historical process.