Choose These Two Prompts To Write About You Must Have Two In

Choose these Two prompts To Write About you Must Have Two Initial Posts

Choose these two prompts to write about. You must have two initial posts and each initial post must have 150 words minimum. APA writing includes in-text citations and references—required only on original posts. Textbook is attached! Prompt 2: Why is a free press essential to democracy? If there were no free press, how would people get information? Can we maintain a democracy when most Americans pay little attention to political events? Prompt 3: Can democracy be sustained when so few people are involved in the political system? Voter turnout in a local election can run less than 10 percent, yet local governments are the ones that affect people more closely on a daily basis. Why don’t more people vote in America? Explain.

Paper For Above instruction

The significance of a free press is fundamental to the health and stability of a democratic society. A free press acts as a watchdog, holding governments accountable by providing citizens with accurate, timely, and unbiased information. Without it, the populace would lack the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about leadership and policies, leading to an erosion of democratic principles (Dahl, 1989). In the absence of a free press, communication would largely be controlled by the government or powerful entities, risking censorship and propaganda. Citizens would struggle to differentiate truth from falsehood, making democratic debate difficult and undermining public trust (McChesney, 2004). A free press ensures transparency, promotes political awareness, and empowers individuals to participate actively in civic life. Therefore, without an independent press, the democratic foundation is jeopardized, decreasing accountability and potentially leading to authoritarianism.

Maintaining democracy amidst low engagement levels presents a significant challenge. Many Americans show limited interest in political affairs, often due to disillusionment, lack of trust, or perceived inefficacy (Verba, Schlozman, & Brady, 1995). When voter turnout drops below 10 percent in local elections, it indicates a disconnect between government actions and public participation. Nonetheless, local governments significantly impact daily life, managing schools, public safety, and infrastructure. The low voter turnout can be attributed to various factors, including voter apathy, cumbersome voting processes, and lack of awareness about local issues (Nicholson, 2016). Additionally, structural barriers like registration difficulties discourage participation. To sustain a healthy democracy, efforts should focus on increasing civic engagement through education, easier voting procedures, and fostering trust in the political process. Only then can democratic principles be preserved despite low turnout.

References

• Dahl, R. A. (1989). Democracy and Its Critics. Yale University Press.
• McChesney, R. W. (2004). The problem of the media: U.S. communication politics in the twenty-first century. Monthly Review Press.
• Nicholson, S. P. (2016). Voting and democracy: A review of theory and empirical evidence. Annual Review of Political Science, 19, 25-40.
• Verba, S., Schlozman, K. L., & Brady, H. E. (1995). Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism and American Politics. Harvard University Press.