CFE USA Participation

THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION

The Constitution of the United States guarantees all US citizens written rights.The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America.

The First Amendment prohibits Congress from obstructing the exercise of certain individual freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition.

The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's "race, color, or previous condition of servitude".

Participating in civic life is seen as part and parcel of being a good citizen in the USA.

Voting Rights USA

VOTINGThe most obvious way of participation is by voting in local, state and/or federal elections.

Some examples of local elected positions include sheriffs at the county level and mayors and school board members at the city level.

Often, like state elections, an election for a specific local office may be held at the same time as either the presidential or midterm Congressional election.

At state level, most states mirror the federal separation of powers structure (executive, legislature, judiciary).

Each state has state legislatures and there are elections to state house of representatives and state senates.

Each state has a Governor who is elected.Governors are in effect that state's own President.

Wendy Davis, Texas

JOINING A POLITICAL PARTY

The two big parties in the USA are the Republicans and the Democrats, but there are others, such as the Green Party, which has a national following.

Joining a political party enables citizens to take part in voting for that party’s candidates for office.

These elections are usually known as ‘primary’ elections.

REPUBLICANS

The Republicans, sometimes referred to as “The GOP” (Grand Old Party) are the USA’s oldest political party.

Economically, the GOP is conservative. Traditionally it stands for free enterprise, small government and low taxation.

Socially, some Republicans can be liberal in outlook, but in more recent times, leading GOP campaigners, especially at a grassroots level have been conservative-minded. Senator Marco Rubio (Fla), tipped to be Republican Presidential candidate 2016.

Marco Rubio campaign ad

DEMOCRATS

Democrats, in general, tend to be more liberal on social issues such as rights for minorities and assistance for the poor.

Economically, Democrats are more likely to believe in a bigger role for government in the economy, for example, in providing health insurance.Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator, New York

BALLOT MEASURES

If a US citizen feels strongly enough about an issue, he/she can have the law changed by a ballot measure.

Each state has its own rules, but essentially, all it takes is for a person to gather a certain number of signatures for their particular cause. If successful, it will be put to the voters to either vote YES or No.

Many ballot initiatives are successful.

Mississippi Ballot Initiative

ADVOCACY GROUPS

If an American citizen does not wish to join a political party, they can join a group which supports an issue they feel strongly about.

There are a wide range of ‘advocacy groups’ across a huge number of issues.

Gay marriage is a controversial topic in the USA with well organised groups on both sides of the issue campaigning on a state and federal basis.

TALK SHOWS

Rush Limbaugh on Illegal Immigration

Michael Moore on Capitalism

Americans are very proud of the country’s tradition of free speech. American radio, especially, and now the internet, are the arenas for the “culture war” between conservatives, e.g. Rush Limbaugh and liberals e.g. Michael Moore.

Liberals tend to be “pro-choice” on abortion issues, in favour of gun control, gay marriage, state or “social” health care and are more pragmatic in their religious views.

Conservatives, the opposite on them all!

The American people have the choice!

‘SLACKTIVISM’

Increasingly voters are choosing to become active online rather than attend meetings.Many make online donations to candidates, political parties or advocacy groups.

Others will choose to 'like' candidates or causes on Facebook or 'follow' on Twitter.

Supporters will endorse videos or messages to their friends, making these endorsements 'go viral'.

PEW RESEARCH, 2013

Social Media and Politics