Critical Thinking Questions
12. Is citizen engagement necessary for a democracy to function? Explain.
13. Which is the more important reason for being engaged: to gain power or improve the quality of life? Why?
14. Are all Americans equally able to become engaged in government? What factors make it more possible for some people to become engaged than others? What could be done to change this?
15. Which pathways of engagement in U.S. government do you plan to follow? Why do you prefer these approaches?
16. Are there any redeeming qualities to elitism and any downsides to pluralism? Are there benefits to having elites rule? Are there problems with allowing interest groups to exercise influence over government? Explain.
