State-Society Interactions PDF

State-Society Interactions What are you looking for a certain Candidate? In what way do elections reflect the power of citizens? By giving them the ability to select their representatives and influence policy Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The followin...

State-Society Interactions What are you looking for a certain Candidate? In what way do elections reflect the power of citizens? By giving them the ability to select their representatives and influence policy Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 1. Recruiting political leaders Through elections, politicians—people who possess talents and skills relevant to electioneering—are chosen. Individuals who possess such “skills” are enlisted at the roster of leaders through elections. Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 2. Making governments elections are a device for filling a governmental office through choices where the executive is elected, elections directly make the government (i.e., the administration, a group of leaders vested with power and authority for the time being). Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 3. Providing representation Elected officials are considered the link between the government and the people. People’s demands are channeled to the government. Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 4. Influencing policy Elections are considered as a venue by which people can choose officials based on policy choices. Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 5. Educating voters Elections provide the electorate with abundant information during the campaign period and voting process. The information may be about the candidates, parties, policies, and the like. Elections can possibly influence or encourage citizens’ participation Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 6. Building legitimacy officials who are given seats in the government are considered holders of legitimate power as the people elected them. Elections have a variety of roles and functions. The following, however, are the central ones (Heywood 2013). 7. Strengthening elites While elections can encourage people to participate in politics and link people to the government, elections can also be a vehicle through which the political elites can manipulate and control the masses. A bottom-up election can empower grassroots participation, leading to greater representation an accountability. However, it may also result in fragmentation and conflict if diverse interests clash. In a top down election, the perception is that the ruling class influences elections. The concept of Electoral integrity election is held with transparent processes, allowing independent observers to monitor. Elections serve to empower citizens by allowing them to decide the direction of government through their votes. Giving them the ability to select their representatives and influence policy.