American Democracy and Civic Engagement

Vocabulary flashcards covering public trust in government, efficacy, political participation, and civic engagement principles based on the lecture text.

Efficacy

A person's belief that he or she has the ability to achieve something desirable and that the government genuinely listens to individuals.

Civic Engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Michael Delli Carpini

The political scientist who defined civic engagement as individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Trust in Government

Public confidence in government to do what's right always or most of the time, which reached historically low levels with only 17 percent of Americans agreeing.

President Richard Nixon

The U.S. President whose resignation in 1974, along with the Vietnam War's unpopularity, ushered in a long period of dismal public attitudes toward government.

Barack Obama

The U.S. President whose 2008 candidacy generated record turnout and support among young Americans.

Early Voting and Voting by Mail

Participation methods widely used in 2020 due to COVID-19 that contributed to a historic uptick in youth voter participation.

Non-traditional Political Participation

Nontraditional forms of civic involvement, such as Internet activism and using one's power as a consumer to send political messages.

Engaged Citizens

Individuals who participate in civic life by staying knowledgeable about public issues, communicating with policy-makers, holding officials accountable, and advocating for self and community interests.