Political Participation: Summative

Political participation is usually noncompulsory, even though it is necessary for the preservation of a free democratic society. As, through political participation, one exercises one’s democratic rights, such as voting and lobbying, and if these rights are not exercised then there exists a high chance of the limitation of these freedoms. Thus, voicing one’s opinion and taking action preserves guaranteed freedoms and allows one to have an impact on government policies. Political participation occurs in many forms, “. . . of which is voting in elections, . . . joining a political party, standing as a candidate in an election, joining a non-governmental advocacy group, or participating in a demonstration” (Klein 1). Hans Klein, an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology, continues to expound on the purpose of such activities of political participation is “To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives” (Klein 2). In fact, “Active political participation and civic engagement are central to the realization of . . . [any political, especially] progressive, agenda” (Pahad 21).

As Dr. Esso Pahad, Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, continues to write, the study of political participation is important as it is a vital barometer of the performance of democracies in relation to the people and how democratic the government truly is (Pahad 21). The value of political participation is often underestimated as, on the federal level especially, voters many feel overwhelmed as if their one vote will make no difference (which is a misconception) because of such a large voting pool and the Electoral College. Also, “The incentives and disincentives to participation are not monetary, rather they include considerations of solidarity, personal satisfaction, and making a [community] difference” (Pahad 25), and thus the number of individuals who participate politically understand the value of the sociopolitical process. For, without political participation a democratic government would not function on the most basic level on voting and political parties. Also, because the Unite-States is a democratic-republic, not everyone can be present in Congress as elected officials represent the people, while political action such as lobbying is a manner in which the individual and group can affect policies. If one does not take interest and action one’s voice will never be directly heard, and if one cannot find a platform to voice one’s opinion one has lost the ability to change one’s world for the better.

Works Cited:

Klein, Hans. “The Right to Political Participation and the Information Society.” Internet and
Public Policy Project. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005. 1 – 6. Web.
08 Dec 2010.

Pahad, Essop. “Political Participation and Civic Engagement: Citizens and the State.”
Progressive Politics. Vol. 4 Issue 2. (May 2006). 21 – 26. Policy Network. Web. 08 Dec
2010.