Describe generally citizens’ desire to participate directly in government. Be sure to identify whether and how participation levels have changed; identify and comment on the general belief of citizens regarding the role of institutions in promoting effective participation.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students should identify the early demands of citizens to participate (“no taxation without representation”) and the challenges to effective participation, which include the large and decentralized political system; the reported lack of sufficient information needed for citizens to participate; and resulting low rates of participation. Government responded to citizens’ desire to participate by passing laws that foster participation and encouraging direct participation in agency rulemaking through advertised notice and comment periods. Citizens generally believe that institutions are “inimical to the interests of the people,” that institutions are structured to prevent effective participation. Students may mention that the Tea Party and Occupy movements represent the reassertion of populist ideas.