The Power of Social Capital and Civic Engagement Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is one of the most basic and important ways to engage in civic life in a democracy?

Reading articles online or watching the news

According to Robert D. Putnam, what is crucial to democracy?

Strong civil society

What did Putnam argue is essential to a democracy?

Voluntary associations and institutions

What did the text emphasize as another way to engage in civic life?

Talking to friends about political issues Signup and view all the answers

What is social capital?

Connections among individuals formed through participation in voluntary associations Signup and view all the answers

How did the residents of Flint, Michigan use social media during the water crisis?

To organize donation drives, call for volunteers, and demand clean water Signup and view all the answers

What led to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan?

The decision to use the Flint River as a temporary water source without proper treatment Signup and view all the answers

What impact did civic engagement have in Flint, Michigan?

It led to a plan to replace the city's damaged water pipes and several officials facing criminal charges Signup and view all the answers

How did volunteering in organizations like the Parent Teacher Association contribute to the community?

It helped build social networks and generate new ideas for the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)?

To regularly survey Americans about their civic and political activities Signup and view all the answers

How did the use of the Flint River as a water source impact the city?

It caused corrosion, health problems, and public distrust Signup and view all the answers

What types of activities do Americans engage in to strengthen civil society and build social capital?

Various types of volunteer activities for varying amounts of time Signup and view all the answers

What did the civic activists in Flint do to demand clean water?

Used social media to organize donation drives and call for volunteers Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of social capital on civic engagement?

It promotes civic engagement not only in local communities but also in state and national affairs Signup and view all the answers

What did the residents of Flint, Michigan raise concerns about?

The water quality Signup and view all the answers

What did political scientists identify as categories of civic engagement?

Electoral specialists, civic specialists, dual activists, and disengaged Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Power of Social Capital: Building Stronger Communities

Social capital is defined as connections among individuals forged through participation in voluntary associations.
Volunteering in organizations like the Parent Teacher Association can help build social networks and generate new ideas for the community.
Americans are involved in various types of volunteer activities for varying amounts of time, strengthening civil society and building social capital.
Social capital promotes civic engagement not only in local communities but also in state and national affairs.
In 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan faced a water crisis after changing its water source to save money, leading to severe health issues.
The decision to use the Flint River as a temporary water source without proper treatment caused corrosion, health problems, and public distrust.
Flint residents and local organizations raised concerns about the water quality, while officials claimed it was safe.
Civic activists in Flint used social media to organize donation drives, call for volunteers, and demand clean water, leading to national attention.
Organized efforts of Flint residents led to a plan to replace the city's damaged water pipes, and several officials faced criminal charges.
Civic engagement can have a real impact, as illustrated by the Flint, Michigan story, especially when people work together toward common goals.
Political scientists have identified four broad categories of civic engagement: electoral specialists, civic specialists, dual activists, and disengaged.
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) regularly surveys Americans about their civic and political activities to determine levels of engagement.