Political Participation - 2355 Words

POLI0094 Political Participation: Why and How? 1st Semester, 2010-11 Term Paper From Twitter Revolution to Internet Censorship in China – a discussion on the Internet and political participation Introduction Politics could be defined very broadly as the adjustment efforts of humans attempting to coexist in an interdependent relationship. In defining a political system, we refer it to a system which is a persistent pattern of human relationships that involves, to a significant extent, power, rule, or authority. Politics concerns about the process in which a government outcomes or decisions on public affairs is made. The course of action or behavior people conduct to influence in the process of negotiation, bargaining and compromising†¦show more content†¦First of all, it basically enlarges the public sphere in which the members of public take part in discussing and exchanging ideas. Public sphere is a discursive space in which individuals and groups congregate to discuss matters of mutual interest and, where possible, to reach a common judgment. In a modern society, it is seen as a theater where political participation is enacted through the medium of talk and a realm of social l ife in which public opinion can be formed. It is argued that the Internet greatly altered the public spheres and scholars termed the phenomenon as the Public Sphere 2.0 in the sense that contrary to the traditional mass media, the Internet is open for interactive exchanges and for a wide plurality of voices. The feature of anonymity of identity perhaps best explains the revolutionizing nature of political participation on internet. Without revealing one’s true identity, the threat of getting traced and exposure to public condemn are lacking and people are willing to freely express their opinion with fear or any shyness. This in effect facilitates the public’s participation of political affairs and encourages the aggregation and exchange of idea without interference. In restructuring of public spheres on the Net, it is as well suggested that the Internet creates an opportunity to remove the oldShow MoreRelatedIs Electoral Participation Necessary For Political Participation?1538 Words   |  7 Pagesfull potential, citizens must participate in the decision-making process. However, for a large part of the public, political participation does not go beyond electoral participation. Nonetheless, even the most common form of political engagement, namely voting, is in decline (Whiteley, 2012, pp.37-38). Although electoral participation is not the ultimate measure of political participation, it is one of the most significant and easiest to measure. Besides voting, there are numerous ways of getting involvedRead MoreThe Issue Of Political Participation1928 Words   |  8 PagesPolitical participation is a right afforded to United States citizens; it is our civic duty to participate and is ultimately a privilege. The founders believed that it was the newly founded government’s responsibility to protect the basic rights of the people. With those beliefs they made the United States of America, a two-tiered, three-branch democracy and therefore the people hold the power to freely elect who they want to represent them in government. The local representatives, we elect pushRead MorePolitical Participation in Hong Kong703 Words   |  3 Pagesspeeches. Therefore, they are much more active in the political participations than the other people. â€Å"A vibrant democracy requires its citizens to participate in the political process and exercise their right to vote. â€Å" (Verba, Schlozman, Brady, 1995).The Hong Kongers have m any ways to engage in the political campaign in order to draw the attention from general public in specific issues. As a member of this citizenship, I will participate in the political events in order to give some pressure to the governmentRead MoreWhat Is Traditional Political Participation?738 Words   |  3 Pages Sireena Nguyen Government 2305 Mr.Shoshinski 14 October, 2015 Assignment II What is Traditional political participation? It’s a wide range of activities made to influence government as in voting and other things such as protesting or volunteering for a campaign. The United State is a democratic country and we believe to let the citizens of america to put their input of suitable candidates to run our country by voting or other sources. These activities are all important and without these activitiesRead MoreIs The Contemporary Crisis Participation For Traditional Forms Of Political Participation? Essay1618 Words   |  7 Pagescrisis in participation can be defined as a serious situation in which there has been a drop in, or lack of citizens engaging in political activities designed to influence government decision making. In this essay, I will demonstrate how there is a contemporary crisis in participation in traditional forms of political participation. This is however more significant amongst young and unskilled groups. I will show how there is an increase in participation in more informal methods of participation as socialRead MoreThe Political Orientation And Participation Of Individuals Essay1816 Words   |  8 PagesThe ‘big five’ is a model that has been used to identify personality traits the have a reflection in the political orientation and participation of individuals. In this essay I will be arguing that the personality of individuals has less of an impact on their political behaviour than other factors including age, gender and socioeconomic status. Research in relation to the big five has shown that there are two areas of the ‘big five’ that have more influence than others, I will be discussing why scoringRead MoreRelationship Between Social Capital And Political Participation Essay1341 Words   |  6 Pagescitizenry’s political participation, as it is the core of their ideals. Without the engagement of a vast number of individuals, the different processes of self-governance may decay and be left vulnerable to authoritarian control. But what constitutes political participation? Where do citizens harness their will to become engaged in the process? Tocqueville’s analysis of associations can be linked to the concept of social capital, which will help us understand the trends of political participation amongRead MoreEssay On Political Participation1791 Words   |  8 Pagesand Women’s Political Participation Introduction Women’s unequal social and economic status has led to lower levels of political participation and representation and worst health outcomes. We address the Triple Aim to improve healthcare outcomes and experience for women by focusing on maternal health. We address costs reduction by the expenses associated with loss of life and productivity loss. We are interested in the associations among maternal health and women’s political participation of womenRead MoreThe Political Participation Of Ghana1799 Words   |  8 Pageshad grievances, they did not resort to violence but the law. This also shows the confidence that people have developed and are developing in the court system and it is important that institutions are strengthened to consolidate democracies. Political participation has been impressive though voter turnout has fluctuated. The lowest turn-out was the 1992 elections. This election recorded a turnout of 53.75%. It is not surprising because, Ghana was returning from over a decade of military rule. The 1996Read MorePolitical Participation Of Women Essay776 Words   |  4 PagesUN Women Topic: Encouraging Political Participation by Women School: Williamston High School Delegate: Lia Bommarito Throughout history, women were not seen as equal to men. Even in 2017, marginalization and oppression still persists in many regions and states. Because of a long history of sexism and institutionalized that dates back to the first functional societies, women are discouraged from participating in society politically. Oftentimes the political participation of a group can be measured

The Drinking Age Debate for Young Adults - 1360 Words

The Drinking age debate for young adults have been very controversial since the 1970s to the present days.The Drinking age have been very controversial between the age of 18 and the age of 21. For many years, Most people wanted the drinking age to be 18 because they believe since u are an adult u are mature. On the other hand the other side believes that keeping the legal drinking age at 21 causes less accidents and deaths. They have been many studies on why the drinking age shouldnt be 18. There are many benefits and risks of having the drinking age lowered from 21 to 18. Ruth C Eggs an Applied Health Scientist at indiana believes that there are many benefits of Changing the drinking age to 18. He believes that if young adults were allowed to drink in controlled enviorments,Offical schools and university functions .That it would teach responsible drinking methods by role modeling and educational programs. He believes that this is becoming the forbidden fruit, a badge of rebellion a nd a symbol of adulthood to young adults. Seen from university students those under the age of 21 are more likely to be binge drinkers(consuming more then 5 drinks a week). On ther other hand Jim Hall a Chairman of the national Transportation safety board found out that during a study of new york college students documented that students who began drinking at younger age were more likely to become heavy drinkers during there college life. He also believed that this behavior was bad forShow MoreRelatedQuicker Liquor Essay1506 Words   |  7 PagesShould We Lower the Drinking Age? | 18 vs. 21 | â€Å"Quicker Liquor† A Short Research Paper Should the legal drinking age be lowered? Those who supported the change for the 2009 re-authorization of the law (dubbed Pro 18), and those who wanted the law to remain at the current age of 21 (dubbed Pro 21), had three major categories to explore for this debate: safety, binge drinking and maturity. There is opposition and support on both sides of the issue including a coalition founded inRead MoreResearch Paper Drinking Age1565 Words   |  7 PagesThe legal drinking age refers to the youngest age at which a person is legally allowed to buy and consumes alcoholic beverages. The drinking age varies from country to country. Here in the United States the legal drinking age is twenty-one. There has been much debate on whether the drinking age in the United States should be lowered from twenty-one to eighteen. People in favor of keeping the drinking age at twenty-one believe that there will be less alcohol related injuries and deaths fromRead MoreThe Effects Of Teen Indulgences On College Campuses955 Words   |  4 PagesThis era of teen indulgences has become an issue across the country. The problem is the bizarre and reckless drinking habits of the young adults in America. Focusing on college campuses, this is where many mishaps with alcohol takes place. When some young ad ults in the age range of eighteen to twenty-one think of the word college, the word party also comes to mind. Partying in college is like a general tradition which is being depicted in many movies; although, they usually end with incidentsRead MoreDrinking Age1395 Words   |  6 Pagesscenarios an argument can occur that debates whether one thing or another is good or bad, helpful or hurtful. Some debates are simple with no major side effects such as would drinking gatorade or water better maximize the performance of athletes. Other debates involving drinking are not as simple, these debates involve alcohol drinking age. Both arguments can have different viewpoints, the difference is the significance in the argument. What should the legal drinking age in the United States be? Read MoreLegal Drinking Age853 Words   |  4 PagesAlthough the debate began many years ago, it still continues to this day. Should the legal drinking age be lowered, or should it not be lowered? The argument has always been massive, with both sides spitting out rebuttals left and right. Despite the fact that both sides showcase decent evidence, only one brings hard-hitting facts that truly make a difference: the legal drinking age should not be lowered because it helps prevents youths from driving drunk, it helps prevent youths from committing violentRead MoreLowering The National Drinking Age1698 Words   |  7 PagesLowering the National Drinking Age Winston Churchill was infamous for his one liners and occasional drunken outbursts. One night at a party, he shocked a rather prominent woman with his drunken atrocities. Insulted, she turned to him and said, â€Å"Mr. Churchill, you are as drunk as a dog.† The Prime Minister returned, â€Å"Madam, I may be very drunk, but you are very ugly. But tomorrow,† he added, â€Å"I shall be sober† (Churchill, W). The use and abuse of alcohol is a centuries old vice that has circumnavigatedRead MoreThe Effects of Lowering the Drinking Age to 181126 Words   |  5 PagesLowering The Drinking Age Alcohol is considered to be a large problem in society today. Especially with young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one. Which presents the question of whether or not the drinking age should be lowered. Lowering the legal drinking age to eighteen would have positive and negative influences on society. Positive through raising more government taxes and keep high school age and young college students out of trouble with the law for drinking. Negatively;Read MoreLowering the Drinking Age from 21 Would be Irresponsible Essay577 Words   |  3 PagesLowering the drinking age from 21 would be irresponsible. People argue that lowering the drinking age is not smart because most youths still have not yet reached a mature age to handle alcohol. Teens that include themselves in an unsafe environment are likely to endure in self-harm and encounter in binge drinking. The Alcohol Policy Information System says, â€Å"Annually, about 5,000 youth under the age of 21 die in i ncidents due to underage drinking† (â€Å"Drinking†). I believe the drinking age should notRead More The Drinking Age Should Not Be Lowered Essay1711 Words   |  7 Pagesof the off-campus apartment, as it opened we were confronted with the heavy stench of alcohol. A young girl was passed out on the living room floor, a pile of empty beer cans filled the kitchen sink, and the deafening music rattled the window panes. A group of girls managed to stumble past us. They waved goodbye to the host, who was handing drinks to me and my sister. It was not my first time drinking. In fact, everyone there was quite experienced – after all, it’s college. Half of the guests wereRead MoreThe Legal Drinking Age Should Stay At 211300 Words   |  6 PagesI believe that the legal drinking age should stay at 21 for many reasons. Underage drinking should not be allowed in any country because it is dangerous, causes health complications and it can be overused, and most o f the time misused. As a young adult it will take less time for them to become â€Å"drunk† and more likely to put them in negative situations which will harm them later as an adult. If the government were to lower the drinking age to under 21, unprotected sex, sexual assault, and other tragedies

The Wisdom of Crowds Free Essays

The Smartest People May Not be as Smart as a Crowd, but Who can Find a Smart Crowd? In The Wisdom of Crowds, author James Surowiecki contends that the â€Å"smartest people† are often not as smart as a group of individuals formed under the right circumstances (XIII). Surowiecki backs up his claim by giving numerous real life examples of crowds that meet the criteria of having diversity of opinion, independence, decentralization and aggregation, and have proven to be smarter than almost any one individual in the group. Surowiecki has proven that he has a strong case for his theory of smart crowds but the exclusivity of this group of people has me wondering just how easy it is to identify or form such a group for practical purposes if no expert is available to mitigate a situation. We will write a custom essay sample on The Wisdom of Crowds or any similar topic only for you Order Now I feel that such ability would take practice and an increase in awareness to master, but still, I do believe it can be done by almost anyone. Without addressing the specific argument of the reasonable ease of any one person being able to form a smart crowd, Surowiecki does provide a persuasive example in favor of my theory when he tells the story of the missing submarine Scorpion in May 1968. With no experts immediately available, naval officer John Craven assembled a group of men with a wide range of knowledge and asked them to submit their best guess on questions about the submarine’s disappearance from a variety of scenarios he concocted (XX). The result of his survey was a calculation of the answers that led to a location found to be only 220 yards away from where the submarine was found five months after it disappeared (XXI). Craven did this on the fly and without the help of any of the â€Å"smartest people† and found a better solution than any one expert ever did. Although an expert like Surowiecki finds it easy to identify examples of a wise crowd, I had to ask myself if I could do the same. I found myself thinking back to when I had been placed on a committee at work whose goal it was to come up with a good solution on how to integrate personnel from different departments on a volunteer basis only. On this committee were two representatives from each respective department (filling the diversity of opinion and decentralization requirements) and one Supervisor sent to guide the group. As a group, we developed several possible solutions to this issue and were sent back to our departments to deliberate on our own as to what we thought was the right course of action so that we could come to a decision at our next meeting. By the next meeting it was found that the majority of us had independently decided that by allowing employees the most freedom, by way of being able to travel to any department they liked, we would get the most participation through volunteerism. We were soon overrided by the supervisor and told the most beneficial way to go about it was to narrow the option down to only allow travel to one department where it was believed those who did volunteer would potentially learn the most; this is the option that was adopted. Over the next few months, employees were allowed the opportunity to travel to the specified department, and few took advantage of it. It was soon after decided, by a group of supervisors, that in order to get better participation employees should be allowed to travel to which ever department they liked and by allowing this freedom they did receive more participation. What this proved to me, was that our small group of independently thinking people were able to identify a solution that the employees saw as a correct one and that the smart person in the group, counting on his expertise, forced our hand in a less desirable direction. Despite the smart person taking over our group, I can say with confidence that I was indeed part of a wise crowd. Since I consider myself an amateur at developing or identifying a wise crowd, and Surowiecki an expert, I next sought a source I deemed to be novice to see what imput they could they could offer on my theory. My sister Abby and her husband Carlos are owners of a boutique custom cake and cupcake shop called Nadia Cakes, and last year they decided to expand their business from California to another state; in July they drove across the country in search of the perfect place to open their new shop. They stopped in several states, casually talked with local communities and surveyed surrounding areas before coming to the tentative solution that Minnesota was in need of a custom cake and cupcake shop and would be a great place to call home. In an effort to make as informed a decision as possible, they decided to do market research in the form a survey in the community they had identified as a promising location. They chose two different shopping centers they were considering for their store and surveyed 100 shoppers in each. The shoppers were asked multiple questions during the survey including where they usually buy cakes, and if a boutique cake and cupcake shop were to open in the area how likely they would be to purchase cakes there. Through this diverse, independent crowd who drew on their local knowledge, they were able to aggregate the information they collected and learned which shopping center would be best for their business and that the community was highly in favor of a shop like theirs opening in the area. The information my sister and her husband collected led them to move to Minnesota where they have had an overwhelming response from the community even though it will be several months more until the shop opens. In just the two months they have been there they have been featured live on CBS, Fox and NBC morning shows and their following on their Facebook Advertising page for Minnesota has risen to 2,000. And if that isn’t enough proof that the crowd was right, the fact that they can hardly keep on top of all of the future cake and cupcake orders pouring in via Facebook and email is. Although I still struggle to identify a wise crowd on my own, I am happy that I was able to identify these few examples from an expert, novice and beginner, and am confident that others can as well. My experience with the wise crowd at work was a strong example to me of how anyone can be involved in one and good evidence that the smartest person isn’t always right. My sister is simply a small business owner with good work ethic and without even knowing it, created her own wise crowd with great results and no need for an expert. Surowiecki is surely correct that the smartest people aren’t always right and his method to finding a solution without them is certainly valid in my book. Works Cited Surowiecki, James. The Wisdom of Crowds. New York: Random House, 2005. Print How to cite The Wisdom of Crowds, Essay examples