Civic Engagement in Democracy
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Questions and Answers

What is the initial step towards civic engagement, according to the text?

  • Becoming informed about current issues (correct)
  • Participating in public opinion polls
  • Joining a civic organization
  • Writing to political representatives

Which of the following actions is NOT mentioned as a way to influence government policy?

  • Writing to elected officials
  • Voting for a candidate
  • Joining a political party
  • Participating in protests (correct)
  • Raising funds for a candidate

How do engaged citizens contribute to representative democracy?

  • By ensuring that their interests are represented in government (correct)
  • By limiting the influence of special interest groups
  • By ensuring the government acts independently of public opinion
  • By advocating for policies that benefit the elite

What is the key message conveyed about the role of ordinary citizens in government?

<p>Citizen participation is crucial for a healthy democracy, even if the elite hold power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct result of citizens not engaging in public life?

<p>Less responsiveness of government to citizens' needs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT cited as a method of individual civic engagement?

<p>Organizing a public demonstration (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of social media in today's civic engagement?

<p>Social media has significantly increased opportunities for public participation (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact can actions taken by individuals have on the community?

<p>Individual actions can improve the lives of both the individuals and their neighbors (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor contributing to the decline in youth voter turnout in the past?

<p>A lack of candidates addressing issues relevant to young people. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text portray the influence of specific issue-based campaigns on voter behavior?

<p>Voters who prioritize specific issues are less likely to align with party affiliations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason cited by the text for the growing number of young Americans identifying as Independents?

<p>A lack of trust in both major political parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, how did Bernie Sanders' campaign in 2016 impact young voters?

<p>Sanders' focus on college costs effectively energized young voters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main takeaway about the 2016 US presidential election concerning youth voter turnout?

<p>Youth turnout was lower than in 2012, despite Clinton's adoption of Sanders' campaign issue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately describes the text's explanation for the rise of partisanship among voters?

<p>It is primarily motivated by distrust of the opposing political party. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest that young Americans are changing their approach to political engagement?

<p>They are increasingly focusing on specific issues rather than aligning with parties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 2020 US presidential election for young voters according to the text?

<p>Young voters were more politically active due to relevant campaign issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why some young Americans are more inclined to favor the Democratic Party?

<p>The Democratic Party has a more progressive platform on issues such as same-sex marriage and gun control. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a factor that influences young Americans' political participation?

<p>Ideological polarization within the Republican Party. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point conveyed about the political tendencies of young Republicans in relation to older members of the party?

<p>Young Republicans tend to hold more liberal views on certain issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between wealth, education, and political activity?

<p>Political participation increases with higher levels of income and education. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor preventing young Americans from registering to vote?

<p>Lack of interest in political issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implication can be drawn from the statement that "support for the views of a particular party does not necessarily mean that someone will vote for members of that party"?

<p>Party affiliation is not the sole determinant of voting behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point conveyed about the relationship between partisanship and political ideology?

<p>Partisanship can be a source of division and disagreement within political parties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these BEST describes the trend in political affiliation among young voters?

<p>Young voters are more likely to identify with one of the major parties than before. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tactics was NOT used by Black civil rights activists to desegregate various establishments?

<p>Online petitions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'buycott'?

<p>Purchasing from companies that support charitable causes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Ritchie Torres become the youngest member of the New York City Council?

<p>25 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mayoral candidate did Ritchie Torres volunteer for before running for the City Council?

<p>James Vacca (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes Ritchie Torres's childhood?

<p>He faced health challenges due to poor living conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which movement is mentioned as having adopted tactics similar to those of Black civil rights activists?

<p>Occupy Wall Street (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement did Ritchie Torres accomplish in November 2020?

<p>He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common practice does the content mention alongside boycotts?

<p>Buycotts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor to the decline in small group membership?

<p>An increase in the number of marriages (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Putnam argue is the consequence of declining membership in small groups?

<p>A decrease in social capital (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is social capital, as defined in the text?

<p>The collective value of all social networks and the inclinations to help each other. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is a potential negative consequence of the decline in social capital?

<p>A decrease in the involvement of individuals in government and community organizations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence does Everett Ladd present to challenge Putnam’s thesis on social involvement?

<p>He highlights an increase in participation in activities like soccer leagues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a perspective on technology's impact on social connection presented in the text?

<p>Technology can only create superficial connections that lack the depth of in-person connections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential benefit of civic engagement?

<p>It can help individuals gain control over their lives and influence government actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a historical example mentioned in the text to illustrate the power of civic engagement?

<p>The successful fight against slavery in the United States. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for lowering the voting age to eighteen?

<p>To allow eighteen-year-olds to vote for those who could send them to war. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way individuals can participate in political activities, according to the passage?

<p>Running for a political office themselves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of Common Cause, as described in the passage?

<p>To ensure the integrity and accuracy of elections. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The passage argues that a significant issue with electronic voting machines is that:

<p>They can be inaccurate in recording votes, leading to potential election fraud. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument made by the author regarding the Electoral College?

<p>The Electoral College is an outdated system that should be abolished. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is one way to ensure election results are reliable?

<p>Providing paper verification of votes cast on electronic voting machines. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the viewpoint of the author regarding citizen participation in government?

<p>There are numerous opportunities for average citizens to be active in government, regardless of their social status or political affiliations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the passage, which of these activities would be considered an example of a civic organization?

<p>An advocacy group working to protect the environment from harmful practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Capital

The idea that people's connections and relationships with one another contribute to a sense of community and shared values.

Bowling Alone

A decline in participation in small groups, such as clubs, organizations, and religious groups.

Civic Engagement

The potential for individuals to influence government actions and decisions.

Collective Action

The ability to work together with others to solve problems and achieve shared goals.

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Sense of Community

The belief that one is part of something larger than oneself, contributing to a shared identity and purpose.

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Factors affecting social capital decline

Increased participation by women in the workforce, fewer marriages, more divorces, and the influence of technology, all contributing to a decline in small group membership.

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Importance of Civic Engagement

The claim that participation in government and community organizations is crucial for a healthy democracy.

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Counterarguments to social capital decline

Arguments that social involvement is not declining as drastically as some may think.

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Improving Quality of Life

Actions by individuals and governments that improve the quality of life in communities, such as cleaning up vacant lots, building parks, and curbing noise pollution.

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Informed Citizen

Staying informed about important issues, understanding the policies of different candidates, and voting in elections.

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Informing Representatives

Communicating with elected officials about concerns and preferences, influencing government actions.

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Pathways to Engagement

Ways for individuals to participate in civic life, including staying informed, writing to officials, and participating in online forums.

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Social Media Engagement

Using online platforms to express opinions, advocate for causes, and stay informed about political issues.

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Citizen Power

The belief that people have the power to influence government even when they feel like the elite are in control

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Awareness

The first step to civic engagement, involving staying informed about current events and issues.

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Common Cause

A non-partisan organization focused on ensuring government accountability, campaigning for election reforms, and advocating for a more inclusive democracy.

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Pluralism

The idea that citizens have a significant degree of influence in government decision-making processes through various forms of involvement.

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Paper Verification of Votes

The process of verifying the accuracy of votes recorded on electronic voting machines to ensure the integrity of elections.

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Electoral College

The current system of electing the US President where electors in each state vote, and the candidate with the most electoral votes wins, not necessarily the one with the most popular votes.

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Fundraising

A method of raising funds for a political campaign, often through events, donations, or online platforms.

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Interest Groups

Groups of people who share similar interests and advocate for policies that support their cause.

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Political Activities

Actions taken by individuals or groups to influence government decisions and policies, such as attending rallies, writing letters to elected officials, or participating in protests.

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Activist Tactics

Strategies used by activists to achieve social or political change, such as protests, boycotts, and campaigns.

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Buycott

A type of boycott where consumers intentionally purchase products from companies known for their ethical practices and social responsibility.

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Sit-in

A form of nonviolent protest where individuals occupy a space to disrupt normal activities and raise awareness about a cause.

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Occupy Movement

A protest tactic involving a large group of people occupying a public space to bring attention to a specific issue.

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Boycott

A protest tactic where people refuse to buy products or services from a company to express disapproval of its policies or practices.

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Sleep-in

A form of protest where individuals occupy a place to demand change.

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Pray-in

A type of protest where individuals gather in a place, often a religious space, to express their beliefs and demands for change.

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Committed Partisanship

A tendency among voters to identify with and support a particular political party, often blindly, even when it goes against their own beliefs or the nation's best interests.

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Polarization

The act of becoming increasingly divided into opposing groups, often based on political ideologies.

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Independent Youth

The tendency for young people to identify as politically independent rather than aligning with a specific party.

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Youth Voter Apathy

Young people are less likely to vote because they feel that candidates don't address issues relevant to their lives, such as student debt or college affordability.

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Mobilizing Young Voters

A political strategy that focuses on winning over young voters by addressing issues they care about, such as education or economic opportunities.

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Distrust in Elections

The perception that elections are rigged or unfair, leading to decreased trust in the political system.

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Close Elections

The outcome of an election that is determined by a small margin of votes, emphasizing the importance of every individual vote.

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Engaging Youth Voters

Young people are more likely to be drawn to political campaigns that address issues directly relevant to their lives, such as affordability and social justice.

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Ideological Polarization

The degree to which people hold opposing views on political issues; a growing divide in beliefs between groups, particularly on the left and right.

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Political Ideology

The idea that established principles and values guide political policies, influencing how a party approaches issues.

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Young Democrat Trend

The tendency for young people to identify with and support the Democratic party in recent years.

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Socioeconomic Impact on Voting

The influence of wealth and education on political participation, with higher income and education levels leading to greater voter turnout.

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Political Passion

Issues that people are passionate about, driving their involvement in political activities.

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Voter Registration Barriers for Students

The challenges faced by students, often from out-of-state, in registering to vote due to residency requirements and ID restrictions.

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Young Republican Liberalism

The observation that young Republican voters may hold more liberal views on certain issues compared to older Republicans.

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Regular Voting and Income/Education

The tendency for a higher percentage of citizens with higher income and education levels to regularly vote in elections.

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Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the significance of citizen participation in a democracy
  • Describe the ways Americans can engage in government
  • Discuss factors affecting willingness to participate in government

Why Get Involved?

  • Civic engagement can help achieve goals and improve lives
  • Pluralist theory: Active participation is crucial for government function
  • Participation impacts who holds power
  • Fewer people are actively involved in politics today
  • Current groups are often large and impersonal (Amnesty, Greenpeace)
  • Members rarely interact directly with each other
  • People are more focused on independent or large organization involvement rather than smaller groups
  • Decline in small group memberships are attributed to various factors, including:
    • Increased female workforce participation
    • Increased divorce rates
    • Technological developments like the internet, disconnecting people

Civic Engagement

  • Ordinary people can influence government policies, even without significant resources or connections
  • Examples throughout US history show citizens actively pushing for change, such as the abolition of slavery and women's suffrage
  • Civic engagement can also include various activities like community development, beautification, or volunteering
  • Political Participation is vital for democracy; this can include voting and campaigning

Pathways to Engagement

  • People can engage individually or in groups
  • Simple actions like staying informed and providing feedback are important
  • Voting is a crucial way to engage with government
  • Voting influences many levels of government including city, state, and federal levels
  • Other engagement methods: contacting representatives, writing letters, participating in polls/blogs or social media, joining interest groups

Factors of Engagement

  • Many Americans (around 70%) participate regularly in political action
  • Activities range from signing petitions to contributing/volunteering for campaigns
  • Younger Americans are less inclined to participate in traditional forms of political activity—this is compared to older groups
  • 24% identify as politically engaged with fewer than 35% having participated in a primary and only 9% participating in a demonstration
  • Various reasons for political participation differ by demographics (age, income, education)

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Related Documents

Engagement in a Democracy, American Government 3e, PDF

Description

Explore the importance of citizen participation in a democracy through this quiz. Learn about how Americans can engage in government, the significance of civic engagement, and the factors affecting participation today. Test your knowledge on how participation impacts government function and power dynamics.

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