Summary of Engagement in a Democracy
Summary
Civic and political engagement allows politicians to know how the people feel. It also improves people’s lives and helps them to build connections with others. Individuals can educate themselves on important issues and events, write to their senator or representative, file a complaint at city hall, attend a political rally, or vote. People can also work in groups to campaign or raise funds for a candidate, volunteer in the community, or protest a social injustice or an unpopular government policy. Although wealthier, older, more highly educated citizens are the most likely to be engaged with their government, especially if they have intense preferences about an issue, younger, less wealthy people can do much to change their communities and their country.
Practice Questions
- What kinds of people are most likely to become active in politics or community service?
- What political activities can people engage in other than running for office?
- Is citizen engagement necessary for a democracy to function? Explain.
- Which is the more important reason for being engaged: to gain power or improve the quality of life? Why?
- Are all Americans equally able to become engaged in government? What factors make it more possible for some people to become engaged than others? What could be done to change this?
- Which pathways of engagement in U.S. government do you plan to follow? Why do you prefer these approaches?
- Are there any redeeming qualities to elitism and any downsides to pluralism? Are there benefits to having elites rule? Are there problems with allowing interest groups to exercise influence over government? Explain.
- People can pay attention to the news in order to be aware of the most important issues of the day. They can contribute money to a campaign or attend a rally in support of a political candidate whose views they favor. They can write letters to members of Congress and to state and local politicians. They can vote.
Glossary
ideology: the beliefs and ideals that help to shape political opinion and eventually policy
intense preferences: beliefs and preferences based on strong feelings regarding an issue that someone adheres to over time
latent preferences: beliefs and preferences people are not deeply committed to and that change over time
partisanship: strong support, or even blind allegiance, for a particular political party
social capital: connections with others and the willingness to interact and aid them
This lesson is part of:
Introduction to American Government