Class notes 10/06/90

Chapter 7: political Participation

As participation In citizen militias demonstrates, political participation is more than just voting.

According to the democratic ideal, “government ought to be run by the people”, therefore political participation is key. Political participation can bedefined as those actions of private citizens by which the seek to influence or support the government and its policies. In a direct democracy, the citizens participate directly (DUH!), and in an indirect democracy, the elections are the mechanism for participation through officials. Political participation may be classified as “unconventional” or “conventional”.Unconventional participation is relatively uncommon behavior that threatens or defies the status quo. It is usually stresfull for both those participation and those opposing the participation. Though we have a long history, Americans generally disapprove of unconventional political action. This kind of political participation has had successful and unsuccessful results throughout history.

People participating in unconventional politics tend to share three characteristics: A distrust for the economy and the belief that without prompting, it won’t do its job; a strong sense of political efficacy; and a highly developed sense of group consciousness.

Studies suggest Americans are more likely to participate in unconventional politics than are citizens in other democratic countries. It is interesting to note that in recent years a more truly international form of protest has developed large protesting the effects of globalization and the reach of international institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.

PS. For anyone interested, I turned 18 at 11:08 AM, the end of class, today! ^_^; Have a good one and remember that trial one begins on wednesday.