Political Participation

http://www2.fiu.edu/~milch002/CPO3643/outlines/participation.htm

The article attached explains different types of political participation and why people do or don’t choose to participate in politics. First off, it explains what political participation is, the actions of private citizens by which they seek to influence or to support government and politics. Participation in politics involves more than just voting, political participation is the freedom to speak out, assemble and associate, and the opportunity to register as a candidate, to campaign, to be elected and to hold office in government. Next, there are 2 types of participation, conventional vs. unconventional. The first type, conventional, conventional participation is a relatively routine, added behavior that uses the channels of representative government. There are 2 behaviors expressed in conventional government, supportive and influencing. Supportive behaviors are used to show allegiance to your government and country and influencing behaviors are used to modify or reverse government policy. Compared with other countries, American citizens are less likely to vote in elections, but more likely to engage in other forms of conventional participation. The other for of political participation is unconventional participation. Unconventional participation is an uncommon behavior that changes or defies the government, and it is usually stressful for participants and their opponents. Americans generally disapprove of unconventional political action, especially the ones that interfere with daily living. Unconventional participation has been successful in influencing government decisions. People participating in unconventional ways tend to share three beliefs: distrust of political system, strong sense of political efficiency, and a highly developed sense of group consciousness. Americans are more likely to participate in unconventional politics than are citizens in other democratic countries. The reasons for political participation are political socialization, the process by which an individual acquires his or her political beliefs, and agents of socializations, numerous things that influence people such as family, media, and schools. Participation rates are a function of resources and civic skills.

https://www.boundless.com/political-science/textbooks/boundless-political-science-textbook/political-participation-and-voting-9/voting-as-political-participation-67/other-forms-of-political-participation-374-4271/

 This article talks about the different ways that citizens can participate in politics.  New media, such as social networking sites, blogs, and online campaign donations, have provided new ways for political participation. Citizens can participate in civil society, an important part of political participation, with activities like volunteering, attending events associated with causes, or joining a civic organization. Citizens can protest, riot, or refuse to vote to show unhappiness with certain elements of the political system. Citizens can also participate in politics by being directly involved in campaigns, they can run for office themselves, donate money or time to candidates, or discuss political issues and campaigns with friends and family.