Module 8: Politics

The effectiveness of local, state, and national elections, as well as the American system of representative democracy as a whole, is measured by how well the interests of society are represented in the leadership. Americans vote for representatives who share similar political ideologies and public policy goals. If citizens are unable to cast their ballots for a candidate they feel represents their interests, they have no representation in the way they are governed. This is why the expansion of suffrage through multiple constitutional amendments was so important. Because of these amendments, nearly all American citizens ages 18 and older have the right to vote. The American electoral process no longer suffers from the disenfranchisement of voters; rather it suffers from voters' disillusionment. There is a significant lack of voter participation among many segments of society. The lack of voter participation, combined with the increasing cost of political campaigns, has allowed the influence of super PACs to grow.

Once you understand your own political views and where they fall within public opinion, it is easy to participate in the political process. There are many ways for you to be politically involved, such as campaigning for a candidate, demonstrating, petitioning the government, joining an interest group, or running for public office yourself; however, voting is potentially the most effective tool the average American has to help influence public policy.

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