Trends in Civic Participation
From Gateway to Gov
For the past 40 years civic engagement has steadily declined and attitudes about government have plummeted to an all-time low. Between 1964 and 2000 the proportion of Americans who cast their ballots declined 14% [1]. In the same time period citizens reporting a general ‘faith in the government’ dropped from 73% to 36%[2]. Signing petitions – the most common form of civic engagement – dropped 22% from 1964 to 2000[3]. These statistics all point towards a decrease in civic engagement.
Despite the downward trend there are signs that a more active, engaged citizenry is ready to emerge. With the advent of internet-based communication people can connect in ways that were never before possible. Websites such as Meetup.com[1] and Craigslist.org[2] have created new opportunities for people to interact and foster community. With over three million members MoveOn.org[3] demonstrates that a substantial number of individuals are interested in contributing to the political process.
We hope to propel this trend forward by establishing the Gateway to Gov Civic Platform
As many notable quotes have expressed, a successful democracy requires an engaged electorate.
[edit] Notes
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, “Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2000.” Washington, D.C. February 2002
- ↑ 'Re-invigorating Democratic Participation and Activating an Engaged Citizenry'. American National Election Study (1958-2002); New York Times/CBS News Polls. July 2003
- ↑ Putnam, Robert. Bowling Alone. Simon & Shuster, 2000
