Political Participation Democracies

Political Participation Beliefs & Behaviors Political Participation What ways can people get involved in the political process?

Political Participation Beliefs & Behaviors

Beliefs & Behaviors Participation Political Participation Any activity that affects or involves the political sphere Can range from voting to terrorism Typically some level of political participation is viewed as a desirable outcome in a democracy Requires opportunity, effort, and motivation

Beliefs & Behaviors Participation Why People Participate Idealism People believe strongly in a particular idea Responsibility People feel it’s something they are supposed to do in a democracy Self Interest People promote causes that may lead to a benefit or profit for them Enjoyment People enjoy being politically engaged, meet friends, etc.

Beliefs & Behaviors Participation Why People Don’t Participate Contentment People may just be satisfied with the status quo – might participate if they were upset Freedom People have the freedom to not participate Apathy People don’t care or don’t even know Alienation People believe their participation doesn’t matter anyway

Beliefs & Behaviors Participation Forms of Political Participation Conventional Participation Unconventional Participation Ways that people are expected to participate Ways that people are not supposed to act. Participate in govt. but get no attention Disrupt order but get lots of attention. EX: voting, join a party, donate money EX: protesting, boycotts, civil disobedience

Beliefs & Behaviors Participation Forms of Conventional Participation Voting Joining a Political Party Contacting your Congressman Joining an Interest Group Donating Money Volunteering for a Campaign Speaking at a “Town Hall” Running for Office

Political Efficacy Beliefs & Behaviors

Beliefs & Behaviors Efficacy The Paradox of Political Participation Logically, the costs of participation tend to outweigh the benefits Voting – takes time & effort (knowing, learning about, actually go) The chance that one’s vote will decide the outcome of an election is microscopic One vote doesn’t make a difference - BUT if everyone felt this way, democracy would stop functioning.

Beliefs & Behaviors Efficacy Political Efficacy A person’s belief about whether or not their participation matters “Can I actually impact the government?” People with high levels of political efficacy will participate People with low levels of political efficacy will not participate

Beliefs & Behaviors Efficacy Political Efficacy Internal Efficacy External Efficacy Can the person understand the issues? Does the person think they can influence others?

Beliefs & Behaviors Efficacy More likely to have high efficacy More likely to lower efficacy More likely to have high efficacy

Unconventional Participation Beliefs & Behaviors

Forms of Unconventional Participation Beliefs & Behaviors Unconventional Forms of Unconventional Participation Protests Marches Boycotts Sit-ins Civil Disobedience

Beliefs & Behaviors Unconventional Why choose Unconventional Participation ? People have a high level of political efficacy and feel more intensely about the issue The activity generates way more attention than conventional participation It’s not likely to convince public officials to change, but it’s more likely to sway public opinion to your side It can lead to media attention for your cause

Beliefs & Behaviors Efficacy Civil Disobedience A person’s breaks a law on purpose because they believe the law is unjust The person is willing to pay the consequences for breaking the law Paying the consequence is likely to gain media attention or win public support Susan B Anthony votes in 1872 Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on an Alabama bus

Political Socialization Beliefs & Behaviors

Ideologies Socialization Political Socialization The way people develop their own political opinions Main sources are family, media, and school There are other sources with less impact: religion, peers, history, etc.

Bigly Ideas Beliefs & Behaviors

History Wrap Up Why people participate Conventional Participation Unconventional Participation Civil Disobedience Focus on these things: Political Efficacy