Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the most basic and important ways to engage in civic life in a democracy?
What is one of the most basic and important ways to engage in civic life in a democracy?
- Putting a political bumper sticker on your car
- Volunteering with a community group
- Expressing your views on social media
- Reading articles online or watching the news (correct)
According to Robert D. Putnam, what is crucial to democracy?
According to Robert D. Putnam, what is crucial to democracy?
- Building blocks of civil society
- Decreased participation in civic associations
- Voluntary associations and institutions
- Strong civil society (correct)
What did Putnam argue is essential to a democracy?
What did Putnam argue is essential to a democracy?
- Voluntary associations and institutions (correct)
- Decreased participation in civic associations
- Strong civil society
- Middle layer of associations and institutions
What did the text emphasize as another way to engage in civic life?
What did the text emphasize as another way to engage in civic life?
What is social capital?
What is social capital?
How did the residents of Flint, Michigan use social media during the water crisis?
How did the residents of Flint, Michigan use social media during the water crisis?
What led to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan?
What led to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan?
What impact did civic engagement have in Flint, Michigan?
What impact did civic engagement have in Flint, Michigan?
How did volunteering in organizations like the Parent Teacher Association contribute to the community?
How did volunteering in organizations like the Parent Teacher Association contribute to the community?
What is the primary focus of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)?
What is the primary focus of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE)?
How did the use of the Flint River as a water source impact the city?
How did the use of the Flint River as a water source impact the city?
What types of activities do Americans engage in to strengthen civil society and build social capital?
What types of activities do Americans engage in to strengthen civil society and build social capital?
What did the civic activists in Flint do to demand clean water?
What did the civic activists in Flint do to demand clean water?
What is the impact of social capital on civic engagement?
What is the impact of social capital on civic engagement?
What did the residents of Flint, Michigan raise concerns about?
What did the residents of Flint, Michigan raise concerns about?
What did political scientists identify as categories of civic engagement?
What did political scientists identify as categories of civic engagement?
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.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the power of social capital and civic engagement with this quiz. Explore how volunteering and participation in community organizations can strengthen civil society and create positive change. Learn about the impact of social capital through real-life examples like the Flint, Michigan water crisis, and understand the different categories of civic engagement.
