Discussion:
Create a 1 page:
The textbook's authors presented three different characterizations of the U.S. citizenry. One is that U.S. citizens are apolitical, apathetic, self-interested, uninformed, and lazy beings. The second is that most Americans are politically aware, at least enough to get by and promote their own best interests; the text called these folks "the rational electorate." A third point of view insists that a significant number of individuals are even "ideal citizens" who are extremely knowledgeable about both current events and the workings of our political system.
Which point of view do you agree with (if any) and why?
The textbook is Barbour, Christine and Gerald C. Wright. 2016. Keeping the Republic: Power and Citizenship in American Politics. 7th Brief Edition. Congressional Quarterly Press: Thousand Oaks, CA.