Politics

Do You (And Your Children) Know What It Means To Be Liberal Or Conservative? It’s Not As Easy To Figure As You Think

By definition, the two terms which have generally come to define the two party system that exists in the United States, liberal and conservative mean two very different things as defined below.

Liberal“ A person who generally favors the ability of the government to step in when needed, particularly to help those who need it most in hard times. A classic example of this is the policies set forth by the New Deal initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Liberals in the U.S. tend to come from a number of backgrounds, and at times their stance on issues can be seen as over the top.

Conservative – A person who would prefer that government be as small as possible, on the basis of the idea that people should, for the most part be responsible for their own well being. Conservatives in the U.S. tend to be of a slightly different demographic than the liberals, and sometimes conservatism and religion go hand in hand. This is not always a good thing however.

The definition of each of these terms is also much more complex than covered above, which is also one of the problems witch such labels. Even in all of their intended simplicity, there are complexities which ride under the surface in the face of the ideals they represent. In real life, to be liberal or to be conservative is a much more involved matter, and each person will undoubtedly have a slightly different viewpoint.

This is also true for every single candidate within a political race. The sooner that parents realize this, and teach their children, the easier the process of politics will be on everyone.
Life is not about ideals, or even the pursuit of ideals so much as it is getting to the root of the issues at hand. This is only possible to accomplish when complexities are acknowledged.

Filed Under: Campaigns, Politics Tagged With: Conservatism, conservative, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Liberalism, New Deal, Politics, Sarah Palin, United States

How To Become An Informed Political Consumer “ 3 Ways You Can Feel Better About Your Decisions In The Polling Booth

For someone who’s never voted before, the prospect of having to make a decision that can influence a country for generations to come can be rather overwhelming. The same can be said for those who have voted previously, simply because with every election cycle comes a new wave of political candidates and propaganda meant to sway people’s decisions.
This propaganda may, or may not be true, but getting to the heart of the matter and choosing a candidate based on the issues close to a person’s heart is important. This can be accomplished by using a few methods to educate oneself before an election.

1. Read, And Listen
In the time preceding an election, there are often a wide variety of resources available to potential voters, due to the fact that all candidates are basically trying to win support. Reading political blogs, listening to podcasts, policy or issue debates, National Public Radio or anything like that is a good way to gain both general and specific information about issues and the candidates that support those issues. Use the resources available, and be open minded.
2. Attend A Political Event or Rally
In an effort to win votes, with future potential constituents, many politicians travel around on particular circuits, in areas where they want to make the most impact. They may come and give a speech, meet with potential supporters, hold town hall style meetings to address the issues or any combination of the above. These events are a great way to learn, as well as to potentially get up close and personal with a political figure.
3. Ask For Advice
Do not be afraid to ask for others opinions. Whether it’s a teacher, pastor, parent or someone else, they can be a valued source of input in terms of political positions. Just know that it is OK to not agree with the opinion they give.

Filed Under: Campaigns, Politics Tagged With: Campaigns and Elections, Candidate, National Public Radio, Politician, Politics, Propaganda, United States, Voting

Should Voting Be Made Mandatory? The Short Answer Is Yes

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Low voter turnout is one of the biggest problems when it comes to any sort of democratic election. This has been on the decline in all western democratized nations for some time, but it is particularly frustrating in a place like the U.S. where there are so many small things that could be done to fix the issue.

One of the biggest reasons that people cite for not going to vote on election day, is the fact that they have other responsibilities, and cannot find time to go to their polling place. Similarly, many do not understand or trust the absentee ballot process and early voting, is still relatively new, and may not be understood either.

What can be done about this? Well, in some nations, voting is mandatory, and because it is, people who are eligible to vote must be registered, employers must give time off of work to go vote, and polling places must be managed in such a way that the process is as fast and streamlined as possible. If people cannot make it to the polling place for certain reasons they must be given an alternative method of casting their ballot, and if they do not vote at all without a valid exception, they can face fines or other punishments.

Voting is not mandatory in the United States, and this means that many people who are eligible to vote are not registered, and still more people who are eligible and registered simply do not go to the polls for whatever reason, be it confusion, frustration, apathy or simply the inability to show up.

If this were changed in this country over time, then it would follow that a distinct uptick in voter turnout would be obvious and perhaps if voting were looked at as a requirement a renewed interest in politics would also become apparent.

Filed Under: Voting Tagged With: Campaigns and Elections, Election Day, Politics, Polling place, United States, Voter registration, Voter turnout, Voting

Voting Helps to Keep Your Rights Alive and Well

: Image via Wikipedia

Voting might not seem like that big of a deal, because it doesn’t feel like one vote really matters. However, everyone’s vote is counted, and if a lot of people take the attitude that their vote won’t matter they’ll stay home on the day they should vote and their candidate may lose the election. Even if you aren’t voting for a candidate, there may be a law or regulation that you want to see, or that you oppose. You should stand up for your rights and make sure that your voice is heard and your vote counted. Even if what you hope to see doesn’t take place, you’ll still have the satisfaction of knowing that you did your part.

Too many people don’t exercise their rights, and they don’t spend the time researching what the right decision for them really is. They just pick something, without knowing much about it. Of course, there are some things that you don’t need to think about, because they’re good options, like getting 21st Century insurance quotes for your vehicle. Many areas of life are more complicated than getting car insurance, though, and politics is certainly one of them. If you aren’t sure on the issues or the candidates, how can you be sure you’re making the best choice when you vote?

Take the time to learn about the people who are vying for a particular job. Also, take the time to see what laws people are trying to get implemented, repealed, or changed. You might agree or disagree with something that you hadn’t thought much about, if you just took the time to do some research into it. Your rights are there for a reason, and it’s important that you participate in the election process and exercise those rights by getting out there and voting.

Filed Under: Voting Tagged With: Ballot, Campaigns and Elections, Electronic Democracy, Politics, Suffrage, United States, Voting, Voting Systems

Layman’s Politics

Politics have become very convoluted, as anyone will admit. The word politics is an umbrella term for everything that effects governments and the choices they make. Government officials are elected to serve in various capacities and to make choices that will better the people that elected them, the people that they are charged with caring for. These elections can be quite a circus: constituents canvasing neighborhoods to drum up support for their candidate, rallies and debates where candidates can explain their opinions and stances and objectives. Elections can turn downright heated, and with good cause: the person elected to public office will be making decisions that effect everyone in the city, state, or country that is holding the election. That’s a lot of power and responsibility to be handing over to someone, so of course many people want to make sure that a good, intelligent, responsible person is elevated to that office.

It is the duty of politicians, those serving in government positions and those aspiring to do so, to put their people before themselves, and remember that they are entrusted with a sacred responsibility. It is the duty of citizens to study those running for office and learn all they can, and then vote for that person who they believe can best fulfill that sacred calling. Voters must be educated, and everyone must be a voter.

Despite all the rigmarole, all the smoke and noise of an election, it is a very important social activity. At the center of politics, its crux, is the individuals who vote. Every election turns on the people who cast the votes that are tallied and that declare who has had more faith entrusted in him. Those votes are just that, votes of confidence, individual voices that say “We believe you can take care of us the best. Please do!”

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Politics, Public administration, Voting

Using Pop Culture To Reach Out To Young Voters

Young voters and first time voters always try to relate to someone they look up to, before they make a decision to vote. These are people who are more aware of the pop culture and follow their favorite celebrities a lot more than political leader. Knowing this, one of the best ways to bring awareness to young voters is through social media and pop culture. Understanding and following one form of entertainment can be extremely helpful when it comes to developing their understanding of how the country is run.

Over the last few years, it has become more popular for celebrities to go out and inform young voters of the benefits of voting. For parents and as a society, you should help these young voters, follow their favorite celebrities. Often the famous face they look up to will encourage them to act the same way. Knowing what their idols are doing will bring them the interest to look into their political life too and as a result they too will learn to make their own decisions and be encouraged to go out and vote.

Voting for the young generation is just as much a part of their life as pop culture. The music they listen to and the shows they watch have a great impact on their lives, so it is only a given that when their idols mention anything regarding politics, they are more likely to listen to them than their family and teachers.

Pop culture is a great way to bring awareness to these young voters. It gives them something more to relate to and helps them understand that they do not have to give up anything to make a difference. All it takes is some time and understanding. Politicians encourage celebrities to bring awareness to the young voters as it is the best source of media for them.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting Tagged With: Politics, Popular culture, Voting

Few Fun Ways To Bring Awareness

There are many ways you can bring awareness to todayâ€™s younger generation. When it comes to politics and voting rights, these young people seem to have the least amount of knowledge. They always try to be a part of a group and, with a little understanding, they are a lot more enthusiastic than most of the generation before them. They are driven by their beliefs and they are willing to learn to make a difference. Here are a few ways you can bring about awareness while keeping it fun and interesting.

* A rally with a guest speaker is always an event that draws a large crowd. However you have to be careful that you do not invite an unknown person to speak at the rally. Before the elections, various celebrities will go around and speak to the young generation so you are more likely to have a crowd of young voters if the guest speaker is someone they are used to seeing and someone they are more likely to pay attention to.
* A social event with a political theme is another way to bring awareness to young voters. Often they are more likely to attend a social event like a local concert or a variety show with a political theme. This way they will have fun and relate the political theme to the function. Itâ€™s a winning situation for both the political party and the youth.
* A fund raiser hosted by the local mayor or senator is another great idea. Our youth does not remember the faces of our local politicians so their attendance at these events and interaction with the public is a lot more memorable and they will also have a way to get their points across. This is a good way to relate to the public and increase their voting opportunity.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting Tagged With: Politics, Voting, Youth

Things Young Voters Should Be Aware Of

Our young voters often tend to shy away from politics simply because they do not know what to look for. For a young voter, it is important that they are aware of a few basic things involving politics. This knowledge will likely encourage them to follow the details and make a decision for themselves. So what should a young voter be aware of before they decide that they too should vote? Well there are several things, but starting with the simple things that make up politics and the party around them will help them understand the position better. Here are a few simple things that can encourage young voters to be more active.

* Learning the policies of the various political parties. A summery of each political party and what they stand for will encourage young voters make a decision on whether they should follow them. Simple policies are the first things they notice and with the understanding, they will pay more attention to what is going on.
* What groups of people are following each party is also important as this gives our young generation the ability to decide on where they should position themselves. If they are aware of whom the others are, they are more likely to join that group.
* Young voters are passionate about change so bringing awareness of the change that will come about with each party helps them understand what the party is going to do if they win. This will encourage them to go out and vote as they too want to be a part of the winning team.
* Young voters, like the older generation, understand the financial factor very well. They want to know where their money is going to and what improvements they stand to see. Whether itâ€™s improvement with their school or community, they will do whatâ€™s in their power to bring about the change.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting Tagged With: Democratic, Politics, Voting

Who Are the Young Voters?

Young voters are typically categorized as people between the ages of 18 and 29. But who are these young voters? What are their other demographics? What do they believe in and what are the issues that concern them the most. Are they aligned to a single party?

Politicians, pollsters and the political party organizers are all trying to answer these questions in the hope of getting young voters’ support. Since the 2004 presidential election, young voter turnout has surged, and it’s expected to keep growing.

A large number of young voters are college students as the number of people attending college has increased in recent years. As a result, college campuses create an atmosphere of curiosity among students and a place for them to gather and discuss politics. But there are still a large number of young people who have never attended college. One statistic shows that for young people ages 18 to 24, 47 percent do not go to college or have no plans to attend. These people have more financial hardships that prevent them from attending college. Many were raised in a household with only one parent. Most of them had to take on full or part time work to help the family with their finances.

Hispanics and other minorities are becoming a larger percentage of young voters, which can influence how they vote. All young voters are very independent and don’t typically align themselves with one political party, though 40 percent belong to the Independent party. And a majority of young voters believe the United States should eliminate the two-party system and allow a third party to have more power in the political process.

Young voters are getting more involved and want to have their voices heard. They have specific issues that concern them such as the economy, jobs and the cost of higher education. A majority of young voters consider themselves moderate politically. They are volunteering in the largest numbers in years, not only for politics, but also to help in their communities.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting Tagged With: Politics, United States, Voting

Young Voters and the Independent Party

Young voter turnout has risen since the 2004 election, and the number of young people aged 18 to 29 who are registering to vote and casting ballots continues to grow. They are getting involved in their communities and in politics at the state and federal level as well. Young people no longer have the apathy that was prevalent in the 1990s. They are concerned about issues such as the economy and if there will be jobs for them once they’ve completed college. The environment and climate change is also a big concern to young voters. The continued rise of the cost of education has them worried. Will only the wealthy be able to afford to go to college?

And young voters are showing a trend toward turning their backs on the two-party system and registering as Independents. Statistics show that in 2010, 50 percent of young voters called themselves independents. And the census bureau says that the population of people under 30 is increasing, and that by the year 2015, young voters will make up 33 percent of the total registered voters.

This constitutes a powerful voting block, and politicians should start paying closer attention to these young voters. Research has shown that once young people register for a party, they tend to continue to vote that way into middle and old age. Politicians need to learn how to reach out to young voters. They need to listen to the issues that young people feel are important. The time is coming when the candidates who ignore the youth vote will see themselves losing their campaigns.

Young voters are tired of politics as usual. They find the two-party system to be ineffectual with the politicians’ bickering, party-line voting and politics of blame. Young people also tend to vote more liberally on social issues such as gay marriage. And since the Independent Party is typically more open to alternative lifestyles than the Republicans or Democrats, young voters are attracted to the Independents.

Filed Under: Politics, Voting Tagged With: Democratic, Politics, Republican