Democratic Participation

One of the biggest concerns in the modern American democracy is the lack of political interest and participation that has increased since the 1960s. Most political scientists agree with the idea that a healthy democracy needs a healthy amount of participation and political efficacy; however, the big debate involves knowing what is the amount necessary to be considered “healthy”? Some political scientists believe the theory, in which average American’s lack of participation is in extreme harm for our democracy. Nevertheless, there are another group of political scientists that are in the camp that believes that democratic participation is too high, with the advent of political advocacy groups lobbying politicians, the nation has created a gridlock where so many ideas are in the arena, that this country cannot reach a consensus anymore. The author of the book, Mr. Hudson, agrees with the first theory that our lack of participation is harmful, and I agree Mr. Hudson, wholeheartedly. The lack of involvement in the American political process, that is currently being exhibiting, is extremely harmful to the political process because people, especially with a lower socio-economic status, are not being represented or thought about while this nation makes important policy decisions.

In Hudson’s “fourth challenge”, he mentions that idea and importance of democratic participation in the American political system, and how it may not be operating at a high enough participation rate for the nation to be successful in the long-term. In the beginning of the chapter, he mentions the two dominant arguments about participation in modern political science circles. The first argument is that American political efficacy is lower than previous generati...

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...y in the lower and middle class, who would not have to worry about taking time off of work or any other time commitments. In addition, by enacting Election Day voter registration, giving citizens a chance to vote until the end, making so they cannot use the excuse, “they forgot to register”. Both of these reforms could help reinforce the importance of politics and make it easier for citizens of all social classes to be informed or inspired civic participators. Although, some may be burned out with politics and may not see the importance of participating in the electoral process, it is vital that the United States works on reversing that trend. For a democracy to be strong and respected, it needs as many different voices and opinions as possible, and increasing voter participation is the first step in making the United States’ democracy stronger and more respected.