Citizenship in Our Changing Democracy
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Transcript Citizenship in Our Changing Democracy
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headings
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Citizenship in Our Changing
Democracy
Democracy – form
of government in
which the people
rule either directly or
through elected
leaders (p.3)
Citizenship – Status
conferring rights and
protections to
members of the
political community
but, in return,
requiring allegiance
and involvement (p.3)
Politics, Power, and Participation
Politics – The process by which we choose government
officials and make decisions about public policy (p.3)
Civic Life – Participation in the collective life of the community
(p.3)
Government – The body charged with making official policies
for its citizens (p.3)
Civil Society – The broad array of voluntary associations that
bring citizens together to deal with community and social issues
of common concern (p.3) ; a.k.a. social capital = necessary
ingredient in democracy
Types of Government (POLITICS)
Monarchy/dictatorship – single person absolute power
Representative democracy – form of government in
which popular d.m. is restricted to electing or appointing
the public officials who make public policy (p. 4)
Pure (direct) democracy – decision making done by
entire citizenry
*U.S. = representative democracy using majority rule &
protections for minority rights
Political POWER (p.4)
Modern U.S. = both theories
Ruling Elite Theory –
View positing that wealthy
and well-educated citizens
exercise a disproportionate
amount of influence over
political decision making
(p. 4 & 5)
Pluralism – View positing
that various groups and
coalitions constantly vie
for government favor and
the ability to exercise
political power but none
enjoys long-term
dominance (p.5)
PARTICIPATION and Democracy
Active citizens essential to success of
democracy (p.3)
Political participation – taking part in activities
like voting, or running for office aimed at
influencing the policies or leadership of
government (p.9)
AMERICAN Political Ideals
Ideologies – Ideas, values and beliefs about
how government should operate (p.7)
Liberal Democracy – Ideology stressing
individual rights and expressing faith in
popular control of government (p.7)
–
Three essential notions:
1) natural rights
2) formation of social contract by governed
3) majority rule
The Changing Face of the American
Citizenry
Growing Diversity – land of immigrants
Growing Older – “graying of America”
Growing Apart – *SOCIAL CLASS (combo.
of wealth, income, education and occupation)
- now have “classlessness”
- economic gap growing
The Future of Citizenship
Service Learning Programs
Social Capital
Civic Engagement
*VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION IN “OUR”
DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY