Let’s transition

from the histories of democracy . . . .

. . .to political engagement

They are related!

What is Politics?• In a democracy, how things are done reflects the will of the

people.

• But, “the people” have a variety of values, attitudes, life experinces, and visions for the future.

• So, “the people” have a large variety of conflicting opinions on what should and should not be done.

• POLITICS is the name for all the different processes and activities that are undertaken to decide whose values and opinions will be followed in determining how things will be done.

• And, to engage in politics is to try to influence peoples’ thinking and decisions about how things should be done.

• Politics occur in all human social systems.

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We live in many social systems

4

Identify Some Political Issues

Political Issue #1

Should CA increase the gasoline taxfrom $0.71/gal. to $1.00/gal.to induce people to drive less and/orto switch to alternative fuels, andto have funds to spur the development ofthe alternative fuel industries?

Political Issue #2

Should CA pass a law to allow doctors to provide terminally ill patients with pills that will enable the patients to end their lives peacefully at a time and place of their choosing?

Brittany Maynard Case

Political Issue #3

Should the US Supreme Court allow each of the fifty states to create it own laws and regulations governing abortion?

Political Issue #4

Should California lower the drinking age to 18 to be consistent with all other adult rights and responsibilities?

Political Issue #5

Should all eligible voters be required to vote, with the consequence of a fine or community service if they do not?

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How Can We Engage in Politics?

¸ Study and analyze an

issue

¸ Distribute information

leaflets

¸ Conduct an information

or strategy workshop

¸ Set up an information

booth

¸ Organize a teach-in

¸ Participate in a

community fair or forum

¸ Run for office

¸ Campaign for a candidate

¸ Make political posters

¸ Vote

¸ Lobby an elected office

holder

¸ Organize or participate in

a boycott

¸ Organize or participate in

a march

¸ Participate in a rally

¸ Solicit media coverage of

a story

¸ Organize a sit-in

¸ Publish an article or a

book

¸ Produce a poem, song,

play, mural, painting

¸ Form a coalition

¸ Join an advocacy

organization or club

¸ File a law suit

¸ Get signatures for a

referendum

¸ Sign a petition for a recall

vote

¸ Write a check to an

advocacy organization

¸ Deliver a speech

¸ Support a labor strike

¸ Sponsor a coffee clutch to

discuss an issue

¸ Engage in civil

disobedience

¸ Picket

¸

¸

¸

¸

¸

¸ Use your imagination

How can we influence students’ thinking about some issue?

Let’s Brainstorm

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Using Your Computer to Engage in Politics

• Websites• Email• Blogs• Facebook• Twitter• Text Messages• Youtube

Please share your examples of college students engaging effectively in online

politics.