Civic participation is essential to the overall health of our nation. A citizen being involved in the government dates back to the origins of our country and have withstood the test of time. Today we are facing record low civic engagement that has created a breeding ground for disgust and distrust between the citizens and the government. The gap between government decision makers and society is growing daily and change is needed to bridge this gap immediately. Many people feel as though they are not represented by the government as a whole or by their elected officials. Government outreach is required to increase civic engagement in the democratic process. • When looking at the state of our country it is easy to see the gap between government and …show more content…
This means the need for government outreach is even greater. There is a need for voter reform to engage more people to participate in elections. This includes reducing obstacles to registration and education on voting process so that there is more civic involvement (Comstock-Gay & Goldman, 2009, p.64). There is a need for the executive branch to create a position whose sole focus on civic outreach to ensure that all areas of the government are implementing and executing steps to increase civic participation (Comstock-Gay & Goldman, 2009, p.65). An open government that has transparency enables the public to begin to regain trust in its elected officials. This position should be involved in organizing community forums, where people come together to work towards solutions on issues that are important to everybody. When you allow people to work together you find that people are more likely to view issues as a whole and to work together for a solution (2009, p.8). This can help break party lines and allegiances that seem to separate us when we are not both invested in finding a
Voting participation is one of the most importing things in are government. We really need for citizens to step up and voice their opinions and get involved in the united states government. In conclusion I really thing that it would be awesome for the government to get more unified and come together despite our differences and pass laws that can help get this country back on track. In this country without unity we will continues to see congressional gridlock without
Concept: The Importance of Voting Article: “Patriot Connectors to Discuss Importance of Voting” My article began by introducing a group named the Patriot Connectors, and the entirety of the article expressed the group 's views on why people should vote and exactly how important voting is to American society. The group states that not voting or not even being registered to vote in essence, undermines America 's representative democracy. They attribute the lack of voters being related to the fact that many feel that their votes do not matter in a government system they see as unfair or rigged. The article relays the fact that voting is something citizens learn to do.
Sarah I, Rosie K, Bas Sheva P Mrs Lydon Government Sept. 27, 2016 The Perfect Government for Xlandia As Xlandia begins rebuilding its government, one must take into consideration every aspect of a government and do thorough research to be able to understand which one is best and most suitable. We have looked into many different structures of government and how it is run in many different places. We have taken into consideration the size, the people, and all the other important details that make Xlandia the unique place it is.
When we engage in the political process, whether it's by voting, joining a campaign, or speaking out on an issue, we have the power to affect real change and hold our leaders accountable. By participating, we can ensure that our government truly represents the needs and views of all its citizens, and not just a select few. It's essential to the functioning of a healthy democracy that everyone is involved and invested in the decisions that impact our communities and our lives. So, let's not sit on the sidelines and let others decide our future, let's be the change we want to see in the
Many of the issues that affect every day Americans such as education and economic growth are equally important in these communities. However, some issues like immigration and the War on Drugs hold a higher priority and have been at the forefront of Latino civic engagement for decades. Despite this truth, their resolution has been delayed endlessly as attention is dedicated elsewhere. An increase in civic engagement and political representation signifies increased attention to these important issues, allowing Latino leaders to help set the agenda and ensure these various issues are on course to their
Civic engagement will become incredibly important for the Latino population in America as we seek to enhance our political representation at the local, state, and federal levels. It is no secret that a Latino majority is coming to our great nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2014 there were more than 20 million children under 5 years old living in the U.S., and 50.2 percent of them were minorities, mostly Latino. Given these numbers, it is especially troubling that research indicates a low level of civic engagement for Latinos across the nation. Because the number of Latinos in the United States is relatively large and growing, the extent to which Latinos remain less engaged in civic life represents a serious gap in America’s public
Author Robert Dahl; make a great point about effective participation. All members must have equal and effective opportunities for making their view known. PEW Hispanic Center reported that Hispanic household wealth fell by 66% from 2005 to 2009. If we look at elections during the year 2005 and 2009, it will show that there was lower voter turnout than in previous years. I want to make the connection that at the time income fell for minorities; this is the same time that republican Rick Perry was elected Governor of Texas (is the head of the executive branch of Texas government) in 2006.
Abi H. Civic Reflection Issue 1- Change in Point of View: In Canada, voter turnout has become a major issue; as there is a large amount of the population that does not vote in elections. Back in 2008, a total of 58% of the countries` population voted in the election. This is a startling low number, which since has begun to increase only slightly in recent years. In a democratic society, voting is essential for it to function with its full potential. Doing so enacts one of your basic responsibilities as a citizen, as well as shows that you are staying involved in your community and government.
The United States currently faces a severe problem with one of their governmental processes. In the democratic system of the United States, politicians are elected by voting from the citizens, in most cases. The problem the United States is facing is that people are no longer voting in elections for officials. This problem is discussed in the article, “In praise of low voter turnout”, written by Charles Krauthammer. The main idea behind this article is that voters are no longer interested in politics, as they were in previous generations.
“We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.” (Marsalis). Politics influences almost everything we do in our lives and how we do it. Therefore, political participation in the American government, a democracy, is the best way to be the change you want to see in your community and in your country. One small yet important and effective way to do this is by contacting your government and voicing your opinions, and when I wanted to raise the issue of immigration reform for the DACA recipients, I researched the issue, wrote a letter, and sent it.
In order to make our voice be heard toward the candidate of our choice we should participate in campaigns as well as voting. The majority of our population doesn’t take the time to get politically involved and vote, making their opinion towards our government overlooked. Get involved in campaigns, make your voice be
“ While compulsion of any kind is a restriction, so is the compulsion to drive only on the right side of the road.” ( “Is It Time To Consider Mandatory Voting Laws? Worsening Voting Statistics Make a Strong Case.” by John W. Dean.) One way voter turnout can increase is by compulsory (required) voting.
America is regarded highly in the world, due to its economic, political, as well as social development. As countries mature politically, voter turnout is expected to increase. This is the case for most industrialized nations who experience an average voter turnout above 70%. However, it is troubling to see that America still lags below 60% in voter turnout. Viewed as one of the healthiest democracies in the world, the United States is always referred to as an example that other countries should follow.
Democracy is a system of government in which the power to govern is vested on the citizens. This power is exercised either directly wherein citizens reach a consensus to implement policies, or indirectly through the election of representatives who will act on behalf of the citizen's interest (Janda, Berry, Goldman, and Hula, 2012). In such states that have adapted democratic government, political participation is the hallmark of citizens' right and ability to exercise their power. The definition of political participation, as with all concepts of social sciences, is subject to debate since most social science concepts are subject to the changing norms of society and government. Thus, this paper defines political participation as a social phenomenon that takes on different forms which is used by citizens to influence government policies and politics.
If someone has an issue or something that they feel should change then they can easily access their local elected person at their office and that person can help them with their problems and guide them through the steps they need to take to get it to the next level of government. Knowing that they have a voice in the government urges people to be more educated and up to date on issues that are happening in the country as well as the world. Each year we see an increase in the amount of people showing up to vote for their officials. Canada’s respect for legal, wealth, human and civil rights almost promises that this country has the potential to uphold a legitimate