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 culture 3. 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? 14 th 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.