Today, we live in an incredibly politically-charged world. Whether it’s the President’s healthcare policy, your state representatives’ efforts to combat climate change or local officials’ development plans, politics are important in every facet of our lives. And as you prepare to vote in the next election, it’s time to get informed and engage with politics for today. Here’s how to ensure you know everything you need about politics for today.
Since you’ve asked about what’s happening in politics for today, let’s talk about what we can do as individuals. Even if you don’t feel like you have a lot of power to change things at this point in history, there are still ways that you can get involved and make a difference. You might not be able to vote because of where you live or your citizenship status (yet!), but here are some other ways to engage with the political process:
Learn more about the political parties and candidates
Take part in protests and marches
Vote on issues using social media
Register people to vote Many organizations help register new voters. Consider getting involved in voter registration drives and events to help people get informed about their voting rights so they can exercise them!
Spread important information: Ensure you share links, articles, tweets, and videos from credible sources. It’s always better to give people the opportunity to learn from different perspectives than from only one perspective especially when it comes to such polarizing topics as U.S. politics!
Want to get involved in your community but don’t know where to start? Here are six ways you can make a difference in your area. Join an organization or committee that shares your interests. You’ll be able to volunteer and serve on a team dedicated to achieving your goals. The best way to find opportunities is by asking friends what they’re doing and looking online at volunteer opportunities with nonprofits in the community.
Run for office! If you’re unsure which position would suit you best, explore the responsibilities of each office and try out being a campaign worker first. Running as a candidate can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding because you can make change happen on a bigger scale.Volunteer with organizations that support candidates who share your values. Use social media strategically to reach potential voters and turn them into supporters.
Stay informed about the issues affecting your state, county, city, and school board through independent news sources like local newspapers or blogs like ours.Mentor a younger person interested in politics. Mentoring has been one of the most fulfilling things we’ve done-helping someone learns more about their world and how they fit into it while we learn too.
One mentor said she enjoys this so much that she mentors two young women from different cultures every month; she loves getting to know people from diverse backgrounds.
The United States is a representative democracy with a federal system of government. The Constitution specifies the powers of the three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. These are separate by what is call checks and balances. The President can veto laws passed by Congress (the legislative branch), but Congress can override the President’s veto with a two-thirds vote in both Houses. The Supreme Court has the final word on whether laws are unconstitutional.
Laws are made in Congress, which consists of two chambers the Senate and the House of Representatives. Representatives serve 2-year terms; senators 6-year terms. Bills must pass both houses before becoming law. The power of the purse strings belongs to Congress, which means it allocates funds from taxes to run the government. It also controls borrowing through its power to approve expenditures.
Executive decisions come from Cabinet members and other departments within the Executive Branch that administer existing laws, create new ones or interpret existing ones. The President signs the legislation into law or vetoes it with a signature; if he doesn’t sign it within ten days of receiving it, it automatically becomes law after that period.
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A Brief American Political Party History
Here are some resources to stay informed on what’s happening in politics for today. NPR offers an hour-by-hour guide to the news of the day. They also offer quick summaries of what you need to know about major political events happening each week in their Weekend Edition Saturday and Weekend Edition Sunday podcasts. The New York Times has a daily briefing with links to top stories and analyses from around the web. The Economist’s Politics Briefing is a weekly roundup of the latest from Washington, DC, and worldwide. BBC News World Service Radio offers global coverage in 30 languages, including live broadcasts from its studios worldwide and streaming service.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on Twitter by using the hashtag politics for today. Informational Texts For Getting Involve Many people enjoy following politics journal but don’t like getting involve. Luckily, there are many ways to make a difference without leaving your computer or home! Organizations like Greenpeace offer ways to volunteer, such as signing petitions or making donations to continue their work in protecting our environment. Avaaz offers petitions related to climate change, wildlife preservation, gender equality, and other causes. Giving money to organizations like these allows them to keep up the good work, so we have a better future ahead of us.
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The Philosophy of Pork Barrel Politics
It’s important to be educated and engage when it comes to politics. There are so many things happening now that it can seem overwhelming. Be sure to seek out the facts and educate yourself on what is happening. You will be more prepared than ever before if you take this step. Stay up-to-date by following trustworthy news sources like MSNBC, NPR, or The New York Times.
Follow your representatives on social media and call them when needed (especially during their district office hours). Read legislation considered by Congress and make your voice heard at town halls, public hearings, and with elected officials who represent you. By getting inform about what is happening in the political sphere today, we all have a better chance of creating a better tomorrow.
