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Democracy In Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone

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Democracy can simultaneously be seen as one of humanity’s finest creations, and also a natural result of the individual’s innate right to equality. As a political system that is shaped by the desires and opinions of the population, the actions and effects of its implementation become a tangible part of the lives of each and every member within the system’s jurisdiction. It is unique in that, when properly executed, the wishes of a collective population directly influence the direction of a governing body. Such responsibility, therefore, must not be taken for granted and it is thus the obligation of every citizen to partake in and engage with their democracy in at least some way. The democratic political system, and the significant change it …show more content…

The result of this decline in civic engagement produced an overall dissatisfaction with the operations of the country and, consequently, citizen’s everyday lives. The fact that the democratic system so directly affects us as individuals means that discontent with it directly corresponds with unhappiness in regard to nearly everything else in our lives. Putnam claims that “the health of…democracy requires citizens to perform our public duties,” as well as “that the health of our public institutions depends… on widespread participation in private voluntary groups – those networks of civic engagement that embody social capital” (336). If a democratic society feels displeased with their current situation the only way to remedy is by doing something about it. This right is a privilege that few are granted, but it is also a responsibility that dictates every facet of one’s life. By being active politically and communally, every individual possess the power to create the positive change they wish to see in their

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