It is expressly free from politics and partisanship and should be undertaken by all Americans-regardless of political perspectives or affiliation. The list is broken into five actions that are essential components for engagement. While by no means comprehensive, the “Democracy 76” list below provides specific and practical actions that we all can take to be an involved citizen. Remember 1776 and consider 76 ways to stay civically engaged We must learn and practice the skills of civic participation beginning with voting and moving onto legislating, speaking out, and building coalitions to solve problems on the local, state, and federal levels. To be a truly involved citizen, we must reconnect with our founding documents.
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Action is essential to maintaining the foundations of our democracy, no matter which political party happens to be in power. Self-government is hard work and requires effort. Therefore, each and every one of us must be as active and involved in our community and country as possible. Yet civic participation and engagement has been on the decline for several decades. Civic engagement is the glue that holds self-government together. Protecting the rights of the minority as well as the majority would be infringed upon if power was not given to the People’s House, as the House of Representatives is commonly referred to. They were fearful of placing too much power in any one branch of government. Having just fought for independence from England, and deeply fearful of strong leaders like kings, they would be dismayed at the idea of removing power from the Congress to strengthen the presidency. The founding fathers would be deeply concerned about our state of affairs. Almost one in four Americans thinks a dictator, namely a “strong leader that doesn’t have to deal with Congress or elections,” could be a good way to run our country.
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And for many young people, the idea of self-government is no longer sacrosanct.
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Today, less than 20 percent of the American public trusts the government. In the 1960s, amid civil rights protests and the Vietnam war, Americans were deeply divided politically, but according to the Pew Research Center, the vast majority- almost 80 percent-trusted the government to do the right thing always or most of the time.
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You don't need to try to do all of these things in one year. I highly recommend not just doing the things you are comfortable with, though, as doing things you aren't comfortable with usually end up being the best things you do. Feel free to skip whatever you are unable to do and choose what fits you. Some may not be for everyone, such as those in very rural areas, people with alcohol issues, people with limited mobility and those with very limited funds. I've tried to make a list here that almost anyone can complete if they are motivated to expanding their horizons and getting out of their comfort zones. Not to mention some are specific to certain areas, genders or ages. I've read bucket list books and sites looking for inspiration, but most of the time you'd need an infinite amount of money and time to travel the world, buy expensive things and an insane amount of talent to achieve all of the goals.