What is Civil Society?

What is Civil Society in the Americas/ How do we determine who is and who is not? Have we given a criteria for civil societies in each geographical interpretation? Today the role of Civil Society is expanding to be included in the governance of a nation. My questions are can we be civil without being partisan? If so when ? If a group leader shows favour to one political party over another does it mean the members of the same group carry the same ideal? What  about those members who favour another party? I will like to hear some thoughts on these issues as they are very crucial to my understanding of Civil Society as is practised today.