Politics and Policy

When the U.S. Constitution was first drafted in 1787, it did not include any amendments. As such, the original document was all about the “powers” of government but said nothing about “rights.” Out of concern with tyrannical power, 10 amendments were added to the original document and eventually ratified in 1791. These amendments, called the “Bill of Rights,” granted citizens fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and religious expression, among others. Since then, 17 more amendments have been added to the Constitution, some containing powers and others containing rights. Yet neither the original document, nor any of the 27 amendments, mentions citizen responsibility in controlling powers, safeguarding rights, or involvement in political institutions (government, special interest groups, lobbying organizations, the administrative state, and political parties).

For this Discussion, consider this: It would appear that the Framers assumed that the people would see it in their best interest to ensure, through civic engagement, that this equilibrium between rights and powers would be sustained. The question is: Has it? 

Post by Day 3 your explanation of how political institutions have shaped and influenced the role of the American citizen in government and policy. Then, explain how radical individualism influences the American psyche and the role of citizens. Identify two reasons why civic engagement has declined. Explain your rationale and predict what impact this might have on future generations.

Note: If you are an international student, explain how citizens in your nation or country are engaged in governance. Is there a sense of civic responsibility? Explain.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Required Resources:

• udson, W. E. (2017). American democracy in peril: Eight challenges to America’s future (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  • Chapter 3, “The Third Challenge: Radical Individualism” (pp. 103-135)
  • Chapter 7, “The Seventh Challenge: Economic Inequality” (pp. 257-300)
• Shafritz, J. M., Lane, K. S., & Borick, C. P. (Eds.). (2005). Classics of public policy.New York, NY: Pearson Education.
  • Chapter 4, “Agenda Setting”
    • Up and Down with Ecology: The Issue-Attention Cycle (1972) (pp. 137–147)
• Anderson, K. (2012, July 3). The downside of liberty. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/opinion/the-downside-of-liberty.html