Week 1 Discussion Forum

• In Chapter One of your “American Government” textbook, one of the central themes it emphasizes is the importance of civic engagement. In at least 200 words explain why civic engagement is so important for maintaining a healthy democracy?
• Are there any factors that you currently see in society today that are holding back the American populace from being properly engaged with their civic and governmental responsibilities? Are we perhaps too easily distracted and self-absorbed these days?  Explain in at least 200 words.
• Now also respond to at least two of your peers. Each response to your peers should be at least 100 words.

For your answers above use at least one outside “scholarly” source and your free “AG” textbook to validate your information.  Use APA “in-text” citations where necessary and include your references at the end of your response.

Civic engagement is very important in maintaining a healthy democracy for three main reasons. First, civic engagement increases the power of the people to influence the government and keep their representatives in check (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2019).