politics in democracy

What if “the people”

disagree among

themselves?

Thinking about Politics

2

3

What is Political Action?A Working Definition. . .

Political Action is any action taken for the purpose of

influencing what or how things are done within some “social

system”.

Political Action is any action taken for the purpose of

influencing what or how things are done within some “social

system”.

4

We live in many social systems

5

Identify Some Political Issues

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How Can We Engage in Politics?

What examples do you have of college

students using ‘social media’ to engage in

political activity?

Political Action ProjectHCOM 266

Political Action Project

The Group Process

GradedDeliverable

GradedDeliverable

HCOM 266

The Political Action Project

Selecting the

Issueon which your group

will focus.

Shrinking an Issueto Fit Your Group Situation

• You have 5 people

• You have about 6 weeks

• You have no money

Zeroing In On Your Issue

Some General Areas✔

Specific Area: The Environment

✔

More Specific

✔

Beach Litter

Setting an Achievable Objective

Objective

To reduce litter on Del Monte Beach

Del MonteBeach

Del MonteBeach

Clean up Del Monte Beach

Political Action Strategies

Research Your Issue

• Historical Background: Every issue has a past that is relevant to understanding the issue in its present form; no issue just springs to life from nowhere.

• Alternative Courses of Action: Something is an “issue” when people disagree about what should be done. You need to understand the alternative courses of action that are being proposed or acted out relative to your particular issue.

• Major Actors: On any issue, certain organizations and individuals emerge as the leading advocates for the alternative courses of action being proposed. You need to learn about these major actors, their ideological stands, their arguments, their political strategies, and the interests that they represent.

• Competing Arguments: How do the various groups involved in your issue justify or support the courses of action they are proposing? What are the arguments for and against the alternative proposals?

• Cost Factor: Most issues have a cost dimension that usually is an important part of the debate. That is, the alternative courses of action typically require different levels or different sources of revenue. You need to understand this cost factor relating to your issue.

• Unique Details: Different issues have important details that are unique to them. You need to be aware of and to understand those unique details that are specific to your issue.

• Decision-Making: How will your issue be resolved or decided? Who will make the decision? Is there a deadline that you need to be aware of?

Okay, Time to Get To Work…