Have North Americans Stopped Caring Essay

In Chapter 7 of Interest-Group conflict in American Democracy, an oncourse source, an interest group is defined as an make-up or association of people with common interests that engages in politics on behalf of its members (190). Since people cannot directly participate in governance, they associate themselves with groups that aim to vary the semipolitical landscape. concord to the same source, the rights of individuals to form such groups argon protected by the Constitution (213).In spite of this, there seems to be a decline in participation of these groups. This paper aims to explain why. One of the factors that caused the verbalise decline may be attributed to the dominance of the elite in political hightail its. In the past, citizens who share a common goal volunteered their time and muscle to these endeavors. Today, campaigns require mammoth financial backing up to fund campaign activities opening doors for big corporations and the wealthy to make hefty contributions.The bottom line in the political industry is this financial capital the wherewithal for mass trade has steadily replaced social capital that is, grassroots citizen networks as the coin of the realm. (Putnam, 39 40) An increase in cynicism is another cause for the decline in participation. According to Morris P. Firiona, people feel that only the extreme voices are heard divergence the moderate middle a couple of steps behind (395-425). Firiona as well asserts that the transparency in the workings of the government showed people how messy form _or_ system of government making can get (Firiona, 395-425).However, it is important to note that the disillusionment is not completely depleting participation. Interest-Group Participation in American Democracy argues that the advancements in engine room allow individuals to get involved without needing to go out to the streets to proclaim what they suppose is right (204). With just a few clicks on the internet, current events cover before the readers eyes. Discussion and blog sites are avenues which people take to evoke their thoughts and sentiments. These non-traditional means of participation are more convenient and less energy-consuming.These are popular especially among the young who, according to Warren E. Miller and J. Merrill Shanks, book grown apathetic compared to previous generations (69). The dominance of certain groups such as the elite and the extremists, the increase in distrust in the government, and the waning of youth involvement are only some of the reasons why there is a decline in participation. This does not mean that citizens have stopped caring. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, non-traditional means of contribution is gaining momentum in this ultramodern age.