American Government and Civic Engagement: Summary

American Government and Civic Engagement

Introduction

• American citizens can participate in government at federal, state, and local levels.
• Civic engagement (voting, demonstrating, speaking out) is vital for a thriving republic.

Defining Government and Politics

• Government: System by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority to achieve collective goals and provide benefits.
• Politics: Process of gaining or exercising control within a government by those with shared goals.

Government and Economic Systems

• Democracy is often associated with capitalism.
• Capitalism: Means of production are controlled by individuals.
• Socialism advocates for public/government control over the means of production.
• Oligarchy: Small class of political and economic elites control the government.
• Representative democracy in the U.S. adheres to capitalism.
• Capitalist system: Private businesses produce and sell most consumer goods and services for profit.
• Government provides public goods (e.g., safety, education) that cannot be sufficiently produced for profit.
• Governments protect common goods (e.g., water, natural resources).

Types of Government: Democracy

• Democracy: Political power controlled by the people.
• Representative democracy: Elected representatives determine government institutions and policy.
• Direct democracy: People participate directly in government decisions.

Types of Government: Monarchy & Totalitarian

• Absolute monarchy: Single ruler holds political power.
• Totalitarian governments: State controls nearly every aspect of citizens’ lives.

Elitism vs. Pluralism

• Elite theory: A small group of elites controls power in a representative democracy.
• Pluralist theory: Competing interest groups influence the government.
• Citizens influence the government through groups sharing similar interests.

The Tradeoffs Perspective

• Competing interests vie for government influence.
• Government actions and public policies are influenced by tradeoffs or compromises.

Changes in Involvement

• Traditionally, citizens engaged through small groups.
• Today, people join larger national organizations with smaller individual roles.

Why Get Involved?

• Social capital: Collective value of social networks working toward a common goal.
• Civic engagement increases individual power to influence government.
• Representative democracy requires an informed citizenry.

Pathways to Engagement

• Civic engagement: undertaken individually or in groups.
• Individual engagement: staying informed, voting, donating, contacting representatives.
• Group engagement: discussing issues, campaigning, volunteering, protesting.

Factors of Engagement: Presidential Elections

• Higher political action occurs during presidential election years.

Factors of Engagement: Age

• Young Americans are less likely to engage in partisan politics.
• Many engage in civic activities like community service.

Factors of Engagement: Wealth and Education

• Wealthier and more educated citizens are more likely to vote.