Political Participation and Elections | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment
What happens when young people step up to shape their communities, states, and nation? In this video, discover the vital role civic engagement plays in a self-governing society—and how individuals of all ages can make a difference, even before they’re eligible to vote.
Explore how participating in local boards, volunteering, communicating with representatives, and practicing civic virtues like responsibility and justice strengthen our constitutional republic. From town halls to national campaigns, your actions help uphold the promise of “We the People.”
0:00 [Music] Young people play an important role in our self-governing society. While they can’t vote until they turn 18, there are
0:22 still multiple ways in which they can engage in civic life. Let’s explore the various ways to get involved and understand why it matters. Let’s start with local participation. You might think local politics are less important than national elections, but in many ways they have more of a direct impact on your day-to-day life. From your school board to city council, local
0:43 officials make decisions about education, public safety, and community services. That’s why it’s important for you to be involved on a local level. You may already be engaged in your local community through scouts, your church, or school clubs. To further your participation, you can attend town hall meetings, join local youth councils, or
1:04 even volunteer for local philanthropic organizations or political campaigns. These activities get you involved in the organizations that affect your community. Moving up to the state level, your participation here is equally important. State governments are involved in many policy questions such as education funding, transportation,
1:25 infrastructure and healthcare. By staying informed about state issues, joining a state level civic organization, and communicating with your state representatives, you can influence policies that shape your state’s future. Let’s talk about national participation. Voting in presidential and congressional
1:45 elections is the most direct way to influence national policy. But there’s more to it than just voting. You can join political organizations, participate in rallies, or volunteer for a campaign. These actions amplify your voice on issues that matter to you. Exercising and upholding civic virtues like responsibility, humility, and
2:08 justice are critical in maintaining a self-governing society. Why is participation so crucial? Because self-government works only when we are self-governing. The phrase we the people in the constitution isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a call to action. Our democracy thrives when citizens actively participate, serve each other, and hold
2:29 their leaders accountable. Participation at all levels, local, state, and national, is essential for a functioning democracy. Your involvement in your community promotes self-governing, helping you solve problems and overcome challenges in your community in the most effective ways possible. So stay
2:50 engaged, stay informed, and remember that your actions matter in shaping the future of our nation.