2008: “YEAR OF THE YOUTH VOTE” 1972: 26 TH AMENDMENT: 18 YR. OLDS GAIN THE RIGHT TO VOTE. “THERE HAS NEVER BEEN, NOR WILL THERE EVER BE, A PEOPLE WHO ARE POLITICALLY IGNORANT AND FREE” WHAT WILL BE THE FUTURE OF THE U.S. IF YOUNG PEOPLE “REMAIN AS UNINFORMED AS THEY ARE ABOUT GOVT. AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS”. Introducing Govt. in America: Making the case for why govt./politics matter.

Importance of Political Knowledge: 1. Fosters pol. Tolerance 2. Vote their own self-interest 3. Promotes participation in Politics Apathy: Role of Media: Poor coverage of important news events, debates & pol. Conventions. Too many options/choices on TV. Overworked/underpaid Americans don’t make time for pol. Participation.

Government Institutions that make decisions for a society: Congress, president, courts and bureaucracy. How should we govern? What should government do? National Defense ($650 billion per year) Public services: public goods (the commons) Preserve order: “Protect & Serve” Socializing youth: Pledge of Allegiance Collect Taxes…to pay for the commons

Politics Who we elect and what policies are enacted. “Who gets what, when, and how.” Harold Lasswell Media usually focuses on the who: voters, candidates, groups and parties. How is political participation in the U.S.? Voter turnout? Role Single Issues groups play in American politics?

The Policymaking System The way govt. responds to concerns of the electorate. How can people express their opinions in a democracy? Linkage Institutions: Parties, elections, Interest Groups and the media transmit citizens concerns to policymakers. Policy agenda: Issues that receive serious attention from public officials….these change regularly. Public Policy: Decisions made by govt.: Laws, budgets, court decisions.