Citizen Participation in a Democracy
How can you make a difference in a democracy?
Lunch Counter Transparency What interesting details do you see? What actions do these people appear to be
taking? What problem or problems do you think
these people are trying to address? What do you think the results of their
actions were?
What you should know:1. What does it take to become a U.S.
citizen?2. Define political culture3. How can ordinary people make a
difference in a democratic society?4. What is civic duty? Social Capital?5. What are the four categories of civic
engagement?
Citizen Participation then and now Alexis de Tocqueville 1831 Robert D. Putnam 1990’s
What a difference 150 years makes….
Citizenship What is citizenship? The definition was not always clear-cut Constitution did not define citizenship in
regards to how it would be determined. Assumptions assumed state citizens and U.S. born were national citizens. Dred Scott case proved this to be untrue.
Civil Rights What do you remember from U.S. History
and the Civil Rights movement? 14th Ammendment Plessy v. Ferguson Brown v. Board of Education Civil Rights Act of 1964
Becoming a Citizen There are two ways to become a U.S.
citizen First-born in the U.S. Second is through naturalization
Naturalization Process Must be 18 years old Lawful and permanent resident of the U.S. Completed application for naturalization Interview with immigration official Civics test Citizenship ceremony where oath of
allegiance is taken
Political Culture in the U.S. Political Culture: a society’s framework of shared
values, beliefs and attitudes concerning their politics and government
Political Culture can be expressed in a variety of ways
Americans share political values such as: liberty, equality, democracy, individualism, free enterprise, justice, patriotism, optimism, and civic duty
Civic Duty What is civic duty?
Belief that for democracy to flourish, citizens should vote and participate in civic and political affairs.
Most people think of voting, but it is much beyond that.
Civic duty helps us to ensure a civil society, the social capital of democracy
Social Capital Social Capital is connections among
individuals that are forged through their participation in voluntary associations Can you think of an example of social capital that
you take part in?
Building our social capital is a great way to do greatness in the world
Four Categories of Civic Engagement
1. Electoral Specialists-people who mainly engage in the political process. People in this group vote, volunteer in political campaigns and try to persuade others to vote as well
2. Civic Specialists-Focus on improving communities and helping others. They join local civic groups, support nonprofit organizations and take part in fundraising for worthy causes
Four Categories cont.
3. Dual Activists-People who engage in both electoral and civic activities. They will pass out campaign leaflets one day and volunteer in a soup kitchen the next
4. Disengaged-People not significantly involved in political life. They don’t vote or pay attention to civic affairs
Where do you fall? You will be partaking in a civic participation
project over the rest of the semester.
