Introduction
Politics is a crucial part of modern civilization that sets the rules and represents the country’s communal goals. However, public perception of this phenomenon varies by social group. This inconsistency impedes discussion of societal issues and reduces the productivity of opinion exchanges. Thus, it is crucial to understand the core features of politics, analyze how it affects our daily lives, give it a cohesive definition, and evaluate specific examples of its effects.
Major Points of Knowledge
Politics is a complex structure that includes several co-regulating elements. As Brem and Sweeney (2018) note on page 32, “Many factors go into the bonds which create a nation state.” The authors highlight the importance of sociocultural, geographic, and other backgrounds. Moreover, the same sentiment remains relevant when discussing power distribution.
Federalism motivates different institutions to communicate with one another and align their intentions to ensure a balance in interdependence. At first, this realization was scary as it showed how unimportant the opinion of a single citizen may be. However, this feeling shifted to excitement when the idea of political groups illustrated that sharing similar views can be powerful and uniting.
The rule the authors mention on page 37, “one person – one vote,” does not reflect a lack of personal power. Instead, it highlights the freedom to choose one’s systemic opinions and to make them heard (Brem & Sweeney, 2018). Therefore, one of the main points made by Brem and Sweeney (2018) is that complexity is essential for stability.
The described complexity is represented through a series of interactions that form society. As Brem and Sweeney (2018) call it on page 63, a “social order.” While hierarchy, networks, and markets are listed as distinct approaches, they all determine the primary media for communication and power distribution. This parallel shows how understanding the societal framework can help gain influence within the community and share one’s opinions more effectively.
This realization was an exciting revelation that noticeably increased my interest in the subject. The importance of the primary means of interaction provided a clear framework for analyzing each political structure in my further learning. Moreover, it allows the reader to practice evaluating certain societal aspects from the standpoint of the opposite side. As a result, communication and interaction are the most essential factors in political analysis.
The discourse on the importance of interactions presented another essential point of knowledge connected to movements and other initiative groups. Brem and Sweeney (2018) dedicate several discussion topics to analyzing these entities’ impact on the state. On page 160, they introduce the umbrella term “political pressure groups,” emphasizing its effects on political balance.
While the groups vary in some external features, the primary aspect of a political goal is shared among all types of organizations. This inspiring idea cultivates motivation to practice voting and activist rights by participating in movements, initiative groups, and political parties. Thus, it is the citizens’ duty to manifest their opinions through available means to change the political aspects in their favor.
Critical Political Thinking
The book’s practical implications revolve around its primary points: the balancing complexity of politics, the essential role of interactions in power dynamics, and social groups as political leverage. The complexity of politics substantially changed my perception of current events regarding state responsibility and politicians’ representation in the media. As Brem and Sweeney (2018) note on page 160, “parties focus on mobilizing voters to get their candidates into office.”
Indicating the motives and political backgrounds of media outlets helps to understand better the news in the context of its political implications. This can be accomplished by identifying keywords used by representatives of specific parties or organizations. As a result, this knowledge allowed me to understand the motivation behind the precise use of oratory tools in power distribution and event addressing.
The idea of political interactions as primary elements of power distribution is an essential tool for understanding why people should vote. Brem and Sweeney (2018) state on page 173 that “435 members of the House cannot have a substantive discussion.” This quote indicates the need for group representatives and sector divisions where an individualistic approach is unviable.
The current system allows people to choose politicians who share their ideologies and can affect government decisions. This realization is necessary knowledge that moved me to evaluate my political alignment with my state’s representatives and senators. It also showed the direct connection between the choices the members of Congress make and their effects on the country. Therefore, voters must make informed decisions when choosing politicians who share their views, as these politicians will shape regulations that benefit their supporters.
If voting and supporting politicians do not work, the other way to affect politics is to participate in movements and initiative groups. These entities can be formed in response to unjust decisions or to address an ongoing issue. They usually start when “political parties and interest groups are not addressing the concerns of a segment of society,” (Brem & Sweeney, 2018, p. 159). This phenomenon has the most apparent effect on daily life, as it responds to specific problems, which is why current events often involve these activities to some extent. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that if a societal norm leads to movement formation, the government must address it.
Commentary Conclusions
The book provided substantial information crucial to participating in political discussions in modern society. It is essential to actively analyze current events, as “disciplined and informed inquiry is rigorous critical thinking” (Brem & Sweeney, 2018, p. 27). This quote shows that a citizen who understands how politics works and shapes public life can influence the political climate and engage in activism or other regulatory mechanisms. Thus, knowledge and understanding give power to those who want to change the country’s situation.
Another important finding that must be highlighted is that social interactions and the selection of representatives are the duties of a responsible citizen. These government officials are chosen “to look out for the interests of those who elect them,” as noticed by Brem and Sweeney (2018) on page 170. Thus, each voter must recognize the consequences of their decision and how it will affect the bigger picture.
Finally, the role of initiative groups should not be underestimated. The movements listed by the authors had a noticeable effect on the current political climate, with even basic ideas originating from previously radical claims. A quote from page 161, “Feminism is the radical notion that women are people,” shows how initiatives may be negatively perceived while indicating a severe problem that must be addressed (Brem & Sweeney, 2018). Therefore, people have the right to organize movements to accent the societal issues overlooked by the state.
The Definition of Politics
Politics is a power that will affect one’s life even if the person chooses not to participate. Laws and regulations written by politicians dictate the goods available in a store. The state gives the right to marry a person and the consequences of the partnership. Officials also regulate the availability of education. Moreover, taxation is a political factor that affects every citizen. The same applies to public healthcare and its quality. Finally, each business operates under government-imposed rules that regulate the services I can receive.
These six examples are only a few real-life effects of politics. The ability to affect these consequences is called power, and I have it to the extent of my right to vote and participate in activism. I exercise it by choosing my political representative and helping community members who advocate for the change I want. Thus, my power is enough to voice my opinion and support the people with more power to introduce laws.
Being informed and active in politics is necessary in a democratic country. The article by Lewis (2020) illustrates that problems the community fails to address will continue to harm society. To eliminate the issue, practicing empathy and being involved is critical. Now I understand how precious the power to support those who need change is, as I could be oppressed in different circumstances. Therefore, compassion and responsibility must be cultivated in people to end systemic discrimination and introduce progressive norms in 21st-century society.
Conclusion
Politics affects everybody, even those who choose to ignore it. This fact shows that being uninvolved will only harm social groups that do not participate. However, there are several ways to leverage the government. The first is to make informed voting decisions by choosing candidates who will represent one’s views in governing institutions. The other is to be vocal about one’s beliefs and views by promoting the values that can benefit everybody. Moreover, evaluating these effects on other groups and supporting communities in need to guarantee equal opportunities and justice in the United States is essential.
References
Brem, R. J., & Sweeney, M. M. (2018). Democracy in 21st Century America: Government and Politics in the United States.
Lewis, J. (2020). Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation. The New York Times.