politics in democracy
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Politics in Democracy. What if “the people” disagree among themselves?. Thinking about Politics. 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”. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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
6
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…