How can we engage more people in the democratic process?

Question

I will be asking questions to help create dialogue around this and many other important topics so please add me to your Answers Network so that we can begin exchanging ideas and hopefully make changes that will benefit the future.

Additional Details

Yahoo! Answers Staff note: Yahoo! Answers is a forum for people from all over the world to engage with one another and to find information on topics that interest them. This is not an endorsement. We are not siding with any candidate or party -- in general or for the 2008 US elections. We're hopeful that people from all perspectives will realize the great insights that the Answers community can have, and will turn to us for future discussions.

I was tremendously impressed by the thoughtfulness of the responses to my question. There is, of course, no single best way to engage more people in the democratic process. I believe we all need to do more work on encouraging more people to participate in the process and make sure every community is included in the discussion. There were hundreds of worthy and thought-provoking responses. In fact, some were so intriguing that I arranged to speak personally with their creators. To hear my conversation with one user, who wrote about the parallels between family and democracy, click below. http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=74…

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

As a parent of 2 teenage daughters, I hear the frustration they share with "rigged class elections, popularity vs. content, etc." within their own peer elections. I worry that our youth is missing the truth and honor of "personal integrity" and need to learn democratic integrity first from their parents and then from public role models such as teachers, community leaders and elected officials.

The democratic process should begin in the home with active parenting; not passive or dictactorship styles. Active parenting provides a forum to share and to hear ideas, solutions, praise, criticism, etc. as well as an understanding that one's ideas should always be heard, considered and respected, but not necessarily always taken. This foundation then naturally expands into school where teachers may mirror this type of democratic atmoshere. Additionally, I feel more demonstrative practice is needed within the school system in order for our youth to understand the democratic process on a personalized local level. Washington is far away; OUR community is right in front of us.

One solution may be to link community leaders with schools and to openly invite ideas, internship-for-a-day programs or other activities that marry "the process" with a reality that children understand. If the democratic process is understood and actively demonstrated locally then a national understanding is more easily comprehended.

Of course all ages need to be engaged with this process. If we educate and engage at a younger age, it is a natural concequence that the democratic process will continue well into young adulthood and beyond. The age of 18 gives our youth the right to vote and to be a legal adult; if their upbringing engaged the democratic process, then our Leaders-of-Tomorrow will continue and expand the democratic process.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

.

Answer 2

We do not live in a democratic country. We live in a Republic. Our vote only somewhat matters as the electoral college finishes all votes for Presidency. Us as voters do not have the final say. So why does it matter. We as a country are losing all of our rights and freedoms due to overzelous congress people that vote for us and pass bills that may or may not hurt us. They dont care they just need votes for personal approval.

Answer 3

What if people don't want to get engaged? Oh, in the democratic process.

Well, firstly, ALL politicians (both sides of the aisle) must be replaced with people who have not yet been corrupted by the hunger of power.

Then, laws should be enacted to shorten the years between congressional and senatorial elections to 2 years each and have the elections rotate, so a rep. election would be held, then the next year a sen. election would be held. This would keep good people in and bad people out IMHO.

I do think their should also be a cap related to campaign spending to curb buying elections. Set the stage on equal ground and the best man or woman shall win.

Other than that, I have nothing... :)

Answer 4

Well democratic party needs to really stand by for the american people. We need real changes and actually following through on important issues that won't take 10 years to come in effect. I mean when the republicans say their going to do something, you get results in months.

Answer 5

Simplest question I ever answered! Just give the people of this country candidates who:

Care more about this country and its people than their own ego.

Care enough to do what is RIGHT, not what their financial supporters expect.

Care enough about the integrity of this country that they rule with absolute integrity. The Bush administration has been one of half truths and outright lies! Don't politicians understand that this frustrates the American people to the point where going to the polls becomes an act in futility?

Care enough about the feelings of the people, of this great country, to admit when they have made a mistake. The current administration treats us like we are stupid and unable to understand what is going down!

Smart enough to show a little common sense! Why can't candidates understand that WE care about health care, the education of our children, security AT HOME, etc. It is time to start spending our resources in THIS country again.

It will take more than the next election to restore the faith of the American people in government; but, if we begin to see candidates who truly care....people will vote.

Now, Sir, I have a question for you! Can you be this type of candidate? Can you give us a reason to go back to the polls?

Answer 6

First I ask what is the "democratic process"?

We say "our" democratic process is the best process in the world. That may be true, but only because we have accepted that belief and don't question it. I think the Founding Fathers would expect by now that we would have greatly improved the framework of that process that they created by now. Why are more people not engaged in it? I believe because our process is not a process that people truly trust. The many groups we have broken ourselves into splinter it. We grade and measure who is at the top and who is at the bottom of the various groups and processes and we try to turn them on their head and side and back and front and any other part we can flip it on. Why, because we HAVE lost our trust in it. It is not democratic.

So, first and foremost create a system that people trust.

It’s like truth today. Truth always has been just that, the truth. Nothing more, nothing less. It does have a different "power" or energy than anything else. It has never changed. It is not affected by time, technology, money, status, fame, strength, weakness, size, location, height, depth, width or weight. It is one of two things that we as humans cannot change.

I remember raising my son and teaching him as I had been taught about the affects of telling the truth, even when you have made an error---whether large or small. Only the truth will lead to compassion and forgiveness. It will set you free, even when you are in pain from the error or being wrong. I told my son, "it's always going to be a lot tougher on you if you don't tell the truth". You will not get what truth will give you, even when you have done something bad if you lie. The truth will lead to forgiveness. Maybe not immediately. Maybe not tomorrow. But it will always come. A lie, no matter how small is the root of ALL evil. Most of the time the lying becomes the focus, not the mistake. Truth WILL win out.

Do I trust the people who run the democratic process? No because most of them don’t have the courage to tell the truth or the courage to do the right thing. The truth is not easy. If it were everyone would be doing it! Like how can we pay pensions to congressmen who have been tried and convicted and are sitting in a prison? Maybe that’s the way the laws exist, but does anyone with any sense think that’s a good idea? Did their crime lead to truth? Did ANYONE of them plead guilty? Is there anyone who will NOT play politics and just do the right thing? The democratic process always makes the various groups think they don't have to tell the truth.

I think the way to run this country with more people engaged is to do away with the "Any" Party System, which causes us to put the "party" above the truth in many cases! It makes slaves of men! It makes weaklings of all who are a part of it. It creates the aisles between thought. It creates fear to step out and deliver the truth.

Am I anti-groups or party? No. But I was taught that when I make a decision to make it as me---"Barry". Not as a member of a group. When I vote I vote not for the banner, color, party. I vote for who has told the truth. For who has admitted they were wrong. For who is human, like me.

In any decision I make it with truth:

Not as a member of my family group.
Not as a member of my racial group
Not as a member of the male sex group
Not as a member of a club
Not as a member of a political party
Not as a member of a neighborhood.
Not as a member of a city.
Not as a member of a state.
Not as a member of a nation.
Not as a member of a religion.
Not as a member of any group.

I make my decision as a human. As part of the human group, the one and only group, which I share with every other human, no matter their beliefs. No matter where they live or what they look like. It's the only group that man didn't create. It's the only group that we can't divide up. We have proven that we CAN forget about this most important group. We search for where did we come from? Are we from a bang that lead to beast that led to us, or from God? Really is it important, when he can't deal with the present and certainly are damaging the future in some way that is not necessary.

But being human is something you can't escape, even if you exist on an island alone. You will still be human and think about being human.

It's the only group you don't have to do anything to "join" or be from any particular place.

I was taught that within that one group is I and EVERYBODY else. I will never go wrong when I consult the "Human Process", but any other process will fail me and other humans every time. It failed our ancestors, our leaders, our followers, our givers, our takers, our strong and our weak.

I was taught to consult with 2 things as I make a decision whether it's for me, family, group or nation or any other thing.

I was taught to consult with the knowledge of right and wrong that is in me---the truth, and the power of my Maker within me, which leads me to the truth.

So I turn your question on its head and rather than ask it as a question, I choose to make a statement:

"We CAN engage all people in a human process, because that process and every decision in the human process will come from honesty and a belief in what is right not for me, but for humans and our process. It is the way to truth."

Source(s):

Common sense

Answer 7

Senator Obama, it's an honor to respond to your question. And I have certainly added you to my "Contacts" list.

Before formulating my answer, I read six or seven pages of responses to see what people were saying. I realized the majority of them were telling you what characteristics they'd like their president to possess ... not what you could do between now and next year's election to increase turnout. Then the "light" went on. You can exude these oft-mentioned qualities on the campaign trail and in presidential debates:

1. Be a leader, not a politician.
2. Be human. Rather than offer an excuse, simply admit when you've made a mistake.
3. Be genuine. Don't tell each group you address or interact with something different in hopes you'll win their votes. Instead, be Barack Obama at ALL times.
4. Be positive. The vast majority of us don't like negative attacks. And, they often backfire.
5. Make each of us feel our vote is important.
6. Be accessible. Television advertisements and soundbites are not enough ... interact with Americans in town hall meetings!

Political scientists have identified factors that increase voter turnout, but unfortunately, you have no control over them: elections lacking a heavily-favored candidate, elections with a contentious issue, and same-day registration.

In addition, the Electoral College depresses turnout levels by producing the "tragedy of the commons." That is, a voter who supports the party that rarely "wins" their state feels their vote is, in effect, wasted ... and with the outcome of the 2004 election, they make a valid point.

Senator, by posing this question in this forum, you're astute enough to know the importance of going where Americans are (especially young Americans), courageous enough to be different, and humble enough to ask this question. I applaud you. And I maintain your intellect, courage, and humility will serve you well in the 2008 election.

God bless.

Answer 8

I think one way to get people involved is to try to eliminate the negativity from campaigns.

I have never missed an election since I began voting in 1976. I believe it is the duty of every citizen of this country to vote. We have a privilege that people across the globe have suffered and died trying to get, yet Americans tend to take this for granted!

Through the years, it gets more and more disheartening to me though, when I see the constant mudslinging of the ads of special interest groups

I think the 2008 campaign has the opportunity to have a great president elected from the politicians already announcing their intentions. Americans should have candidates who focus on real problems and issues, not always having to explain away thing that happened in the past. We need to look forward, not back!

Answer 9

I think a good way for people to see how important their involvement in the democratic process is, is by giving them good examples from the past. Point out accomplishments and failures that have happened in the past due to involvement or lack thereof. Don't focus just on recent things, but revolutionary ones. Bring back the idea of why we chose democracy in the first place; I think many people have forgotten. I'm not very good with politics, just an average jane, but it would appeal to me!

Answer 10

he who serves his country best, serves his party best, stop being so political, if doing the right thing may cost you your job, do the right thing, not the political thing. Or, think of it this way, 'If pro is the opposite of con, then is progress must be the opposite of Congress."

Answer 11

In my opinion, we need to update our civics courses and teach students at a very young age why it's so important to be involved in the governmental process. There's less and less newly 18 year olds voting now a days and although we can't make a dramatic difference in this generation, we need to attempt to make a difference in the next generation.

Answer 12

If you are to expect "people" to be a part of any process, then you should address them under a united title. No longer can anyone clearly claim they are a Democrat or a Republican etc... We need to become united as Americans, and build from there as citizins of the world. Getting the participation is not as hard as selling its worth to the people. Many Americans feel they have little or no say in any politics so why bother, we can vote yet the money wielding companies, religions, etc...wield the true vote..If you want them involved show them they are listened to, more then those who can afford millions. After all we give those companies the money they spend to influence your democratic process.

Answer 13

1. Teach the democratic process (voting, bills becomming laws, political party distinctions, etc.) in grammar school and continue it through 12th grade. Make this mandatory in all school curriculum.
2. Put a cap on how much someone can spend on a political campaign. You shouldn't have to raise $200 million to run for president. That is obscene and reflects the major flaw of the American democratic process. American's think that money is the answer for everything. That has to change in the minds of the people before they even begin to engage in a meaningful democracy.
3. Get rid of the agency that is in charge of presidential debates. It is controlled by Democrat/Republican interests, thus if they don't want a third (or fourth) party involved in the debate their word is final. Look back to the 2000 election. Ralph Nader wasn't allowed to debate Bush and Gore. Say what you will about Mr. Nader, he would have mopped the floor with both of them.
4. Really hold politicians accountable for their actions and what they say. Just about every Sunday I watch Meet the Press and get sickened by the blatant lies that politicians tell. As they watch themselves contradicting the lie(s) on previous footage they always weasel out of it rather then admitting a mistake or a misjudgement of a situation. Dick Cheney is the all time master of this. Saying you take full responsibility for something should imply more than a sound bite. Criminal charges, loss of position, and impeachment should be the real consequences instead of lip service.

This is just the beginning. I like Sen. Obama and have every intention of supporting him in his bid for the presidency. However, there is always that feeling that something will go wrong and he'll prove to be no better than the rest. I've been burned too many times by politicians - as have most Americans. Prove yourself Mr. Obama. Lord knows we all need someone we can believe in, someone who represents American people and not just corporate interests and war machines.

Answer 14

When people renew their driver's license, they should automatically be registered to vote.

Answer 15

Stop spending so much of the tax payers money. If we all were taxed less, we would have a little free time to get involved in all kinds of charity and political causes. Stop taking campaign contributions from entities that will want something in return. We all feel like we have no effect on politics when we're up against big business with deep pockets. Who pays for those lavish political parties? Stop wasting so much of our natural resources with giant motorcades and jumbo jet flights around the world. Spend our money here on education, health, alternative fuel research, ect. Stop sending so much money overseas to foreign countries. If we would stop sticking our noses in other countries politics we wouldn't have so many enemies around the globe. Then we would not have to buy their forgiveness with aid packages. If a foreign government invaded America to impose their values on us we would all fight to the death until that entity was expelled from our land, but, we invade countries around the world doing exactly what we would never stand for. I could go on and on, if you want the American public to become involved in politics, then listen to the little guy, do things that benefit us. I live in South Florida and what money I earn that doesn't go to federal taxes goes to my property tax and homeowner's insurance. I make about $56,000 a year and I live paycheck to paycheck. Watch that movie with Chris Rock running for president "Head of State" It is a comedy but there are parts in the movie that will give you some idea of what the American people really need.

Answer 16

Most of us Americans feel robbed of our power to vote. Trust is low and often times our voting options are questionable, at best.

Answer 17

I own a business and have always allowed my employees to stay on the clock while voting. I encourage all of my employees to vote. I have asked the ones who don't vote why they don't and almost unanimously am told there vote doesn't matter. Drilling it down more, there are three reasons which cover 95% of the reasons I've heard.

First, they believe what they see is not what they will get. They believe politicians in general will lie to get votes. They hear one thing and see another when a candidate gets elected.

Second, they believe the candidate they would vote for is either too far ahead or behind for their vote to matter.

Third, they do not like any of the candidates and so instead of picking the best of two evils, they are "making a statement" by not voting at all.

Their is a fourth category which I do believe exists but you would be hard pressed to get people to admit it and that is the ones who are just too lazy. They just do not want to alter their routine or wait in line.

I think their are several things which can be done to increase voter turn out. First, we need to find a way to lessen the power of lobbyists. Not only do lobbyists have too much power in government, but also in the parties themselves. Groups such as Planned Parenthood or the NRA (tried to be independent with my examples) should be limited in the dollars and time they are allowed to give to a candidate. While no one wants to admit that votes are traded for support, everyone knows it is happening. There has to be a way in which Congress is held more accountable to the people.

I know you will probably disagree with this because you are part of a large party but I believe their should be a cap on funds used for campaigning. I believe advertising by any party should be banned. The cost of campaigning has gotten so expensive, the ability for a third party or independent candidate to join the race and be taken seriously as a legitimate candidate is impossible.

Lastly, I believe we should look into the possibility of voting online. Allow people to vote from their personal computer. If I can make a secure payment online or buy something with my credit card on line, I should be able to vote safely and accurately online. Everyone does not have a computer of course, so we could open public libraries for those who do not own a computer. This would eliminate the excuse of "I don't have time".

Answer 18

I believe that we should REQUIRE people to vote --- You would not receive any benefits of society -- like welfare or unemployment or any other social program if you did not vote -- also since we are Requiring people to vote -- there should be a none of the above box on the ballot -- so you could still fulfill the REQUIREMENT but not have to vote for the lesser of two evils
Also issues should not be decided unless at least 77 percent of votes are in ...

Source(s):

KMyself -- and common sense

Answer 19

Run someone beside some East Coast Liberal

Answer 20

The average working peoples lives are so hectic they are too exhausted to put effort into participating in the democratic process.

Ideally people's lives would not be so time-compressed. But thats a whole separate topic.

So we have to find ways to reach people in their daily lives. If there was a 'brown bag' lunch at my company, that would be more doable than for me to go out and attend a meeting on a Thursday night. Print and online media are good, as are chat rooms and Bullletin Boards. What you are doing here Q/A is a way for me to take 5 mins on a Saturday morning and say what is on my mind. So this is a great way to get some input from constitutents who are so busy.

Answer 21

"Engage" is the key word. In order to "engage" someone, you have to be able to stir their curiosity almost immediatley upon first contact. But, no matter how geared for appeal a particular message is, the person it is directed at, must possess a certain level of education in order to understand the topic of the message.

Therefore, the key is education. I would propose that all high schools replace history with Modern Civics or Political Science from 10th grade on. By the end of 9th grade, kids have gotten enough US and world history. By grade 10, it's time to replace history with classes on Domestic and Foreign Politics. I would also make sure the last year of this class would focus on current politics of the day.

This would greatly increase participation in the democratic process.

Source(s):

My own common sense

Answer 22

As a teenager I see lost of young people who don't really care about voting. I think it's important to start getting the next generation to vote. Reach out to the younger section of the voting age population. And maybe even younger than the voting population. Make it something for them to look forward to.

Answer 23

Typically, I think the people who are most involved are more educated, and deeply concerned about their place in the process. At least that's my case.

When are you all ever going to learn that it's not quantity, it's quality. It shouldn't be how many more people we can get involved. It should focus on getting those who give a damn more input into the thing.

You can only simplify the process so much you know, and you can't make people care. Society has a whole needs to seriously vent its frustrations as a single entity. The next president is going to get an earful.

Answer 24

Make election day a national holiday and give a small tax rebate to those who vote (this would not be the same as buying a vote since you are not telling them which way to vote). Make people aware of the issues and how they are affected by them. Stop the dirty tricks that have been used in the past to keep certain people from voting.

Answer 25

JUST TELL THE TRUTH AND HONESTY WILL PREVAIL. NO MORE MUDD SLINGING LIKE MOST POLITICIANS DO TO DISCREDIT THER OPPOSITION

Answer 26

One way to get people involved is to start early in educating our children about their importance as an individual in society. The Mtv campaign for registering voters was very successful in that it targeted people who may otherwise be oblivious to their role in society. Our American citizens need to be encouraged to register to vote. Many people=one powerful voice. We, as people, need encouragement and direction on how to be more involved in the development of this great land in which we live. Rock on Barack!!

Answer 27

Most people have lost faith in the democratic process for a number of reasons. First we don't need an Electoral College anymore. Who ever wins should be decided by the popular vote. Second most Americans feel as if we don't have a voice anymore. We feel this way because Congress in not "of the people, by the people and for the people" Congress is "of Big Business, by Big Business and for Big Business." Gas prices are a real good example. Next Congress is to busy fighting among party lines to really get anything accomplished. Our educational system is failing, Our health care is failing. Our Govt is selling out our military by giving them second hand material. Our military is the one who is fighting and dying to keep us free. They should have the best equipment period. To put it plane and simple "Americans want our Govt back" until party politics can be put aside more people will lose faith in the democratic process.

Bryan Smith

Answer 28

You need to take the money out of politics. The middle class and poor feel like they have no voice because they did not donate to a politician's campaign. They are silenced because politicians are more concerned with campaign donations then the good of their constituents. Remember when a person or corporation gives money it does not mean they own you. The donation can not have strings attached. Once the middle and poor class see that a politician would go against his/her's biggest donor then they know they have a politician who cares for them. Not just the almighty dollar.

Politicians have to remember they are a servant to their constituents greater good not to the people who give them money.

Once there is no money in politics ordinary everyday people will begin to participate.

Answer 29

wow you got a lot of answers you are like famouse and popular

Answer 30

Future President, first, speak to each nation in regards to something they can relate to....and want to help you make a change...NOW....example:
Latinos Americans....(Immigration and Freedom in U.S.) Caucasian Americans (Power and Control for U.S.)
Black Americans (Recognize Past and Present Civil Right Struggles and how to educate and compensate Old and New Generations)
Native Americans (Love and protect their Land and Ancestor History)
Chinese-Japanese Americans (Economical Growth, Digital Age Growth)
The overall population (Unity as a Greater Country not always as a Greater People)......this simply means.... we may not all agree on the facts... but we must come together to maintain the U.S.A. and keep the Eagle in tact .... A nochsalamoon Israel

Answer 31

By being honest and truthful, and upfront with who we are, and where we come from.