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1/3 - Power & Citizenship in American Politics

The United States Governments Political System is one of diverse components. When diving into issues at hand, one may wonder who is really in control? What gives them the authority to reign, and ultimately decide what is important for the people. This sought after source is power. A term in which constantly changes its meaning, but comes down to the same defining point. Power in the political sense, comes down to what influences you are capable of. What successful outcomes come of your decision making in the law making process. In reality, your opinions are of no value because there is an agenda at hand. According to Wolin, “The increasing power of the state and the declining power of institutions intended to control the state has been in the making for some time.”
Although America is polished on the outside to look as though it is the place to be, it is the place for all people, that is far from the truth. Just like power, America exists to forever favor wealthy people. To understand anything, you must first look at it’s history. In a brief sense, America was built on the backs of slaves. There was a defining era where power and classes were set up. Even after the 13th amendment abolished slavery, what was set up to divide the people of America had already taken its tole. Low and middle class individuals are not appointed the same opportunities as the upper class. The influences of the media is even observed by many as a “scare tactic”, and keep citizens in the same pattern of thinking. From threats of constant terrorism, to promises of an inflating economy, people believe what they are told. I guess what Hitler said has some truth to it, “The bigger the lie, the more people will believe it.” It is this way of thinking, America has taken on inverted totalitarianism, influencing what is important to us through changing our values and social norms. America wants to keep it’s citizens unaware and with things like social media, we are unfortunately making that extremely easy for them.
I decided to write on this quote because it supports the fact that although many citizens are politically unaware, and choose to remain so, this should not be the case. If the state is completely free in reigning, the control over there decision making would be slim to none. If we are not making decision making a priority to us now, what will happen when the citizens really lose their voice? What happens then when all the power is taken from the lower class, and we sort of just have to go along with what has been decided for us? Issues such as the economy, employment, healthcare, race relations, terrorism, and immigration are at an all time high. Polls even show Americas majority is displeased. What is the answer to our issues? It all begins will staying “woke”.

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