Abstract
This paper examines what is perceived as political apathy in North American, further arguing that it is often misinterpreted. Although some see apathy as a problem, others suggest that apathy is not the problem at all, but rather, it's a matter of political alienation of voters. The paper provides a perspective on this debate by drawing conclusions from a wide range of relevant data and opinions.

From the Paper
"For years the media has been filled with stories about widespread political apathy amongst voters. But not everyone agrees with the assertion that voters are disinterested or indifferent to politics. As one author writes, "Some accept that political apathy and disengagement is widespread but insist that its dimension is exaggerated" (Furedi, 2007, p. 36). Others suggest that apathy is not the problem at all, but rather, it's a matter of political alienation of voters. The following discussion provides a perspective on this debate by drawing conclusions from a wide..."

Tags:politics, political apathy, voter participation

Abstract
An analysis of voter apathy and the declining rates of political participation in the United States. Focuses on the structural causes for low turnout, and the causes of voter apathy.

From the Paper
"The United States is suffering from a malignant disease. This illness threatens the very core of American Democracy. Its manifestation is a certain malaise, an apathy of the spirit, that keeps its citizens from participating in the very institution that sets their country apart from so many others; their Democracy. Why is voter apathy a problem? Quite simply, because democratic citizens should have a minimum understanding of the political system in which they express preferences and elect representatives. (Niemi and Junn) This can also be seen in the fact that..."

Tags:turnout, elections, campaigns, voter, apathy, solutions, negative, advertising, political, parties, democrat, republican

Abstract
This persuasive exposition argues that existence and life are not synonymous. Life requires action, says the author. But apathy -- which the author defines as a profound indifference -- transforms life into mere existence. When this happens, the paper argues that society downward spirals into moral and ethical decay. The author therefore advocates for a change in this mindset at the individual level, to overthrow apathy and protect society.

From the Paper
"It would seem to the unwary eye that we live in a well-adapted, civilized and socially blended nation. That idealistic belief deceives. Our country languishes in moral and ethical decay. We complain about the failings of the government but do not vote. We bemoan the increasing rate of divorce but spend little or no time with our families. We excuse our lack of interest by saying that we have to work longer to support our families when in truth we don't want to put in the needed effort to improve our relationships. We rail against the depravity of violent crime but glorify it on television. As sad and shameful as these instances are, apathy - a profound indifference, reigns as the behavioral hallmark of modern society."

Tags:apathy, decision, ethics, making, responsibility, social

Abstract
Emergencies happen every day, all around the world. Not too long ago, the worst emergency erupted inside the United States in the form of airplanes and skyscrapers. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, paramedics, and many other humanitarian groups rushed to help the sick and injured while the 9/11 attacks were still taking place. The nature of humans is to help their fellow person when he or she is in trouble. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. "Bystander apathy" takes place when people witness an emergency and take no action to help the needy. The larger question, though, is whether one should be held legally responsible for not assisting in an emergency. The author of the paper disagrees with the logic that says one should be held accountable because people are not always sure what an emergency entails, exactly. Moreover, innocent civilians should not be forced into a situation that could potentially put the rescuer in harm's way. This paper argues in favor of the proposition that innocent bystanders should not be held legally responsible for not assisting in an emergency.

From the Paper
"Deindividuation or "loss of one's sense of individuality and personal accountability that can sometimes occur in large, noisy, emotional crowds" has been seen in courts as a reasonable plea for one's inappropriate actions (Colman, 1991). South African murder trials, in particular, have seen the argument that large crowds of people cloud people's sense of right and wrong and their ability to act rationally is diminished. According to psychologist Graham Tyson's testimony, "it was quite plausible that they did not appreciate that death could ensue from their actions," referring to a defendant accused of murdering a police informer (Colman, 1991). We see from here that large crowds manipulate the normal, cognitive functioning of the brain and make people act in a completely different, and unusual, manner."

Tags:Good, Samaritan, confusion, of, responsibility

From the Paper
"March 7, 2000 was what we call "Super Tuesday." More than fifteen presidential primaries took place that day. Most of Americans were interested in whether who would win those primaries. However, some of Americans were also concerned that Americans do not seem to care about politics. It is because they are well aware of the fact that the participation rate of Americans in national elections is very low. According to G. Bingham Powell, Jr, only 59 percent of Americans voted in presidential elections from 1960 to 1978 and a much smaller percentage vote in congressional contests. Based on this information some might wonder why Americans do not show their political interest by voting more. Is it because of political apathy or something more than that? A lot of scholars have studied on this particular issue and they have concluded that having a large number of elections, hassle of voter registration, more chances to participate in politics other than voting, and decline in political party with strong ideology that differs from others have contributed to this trend."

Tags:election, groups, interest, low, party, people, politics, young, apathy

Abstract
This paper examines the dominating role the media played in the "Watergate" affair in forcing the executive branch of the government into the public contest, where the government and the media were pitted in a battle for public favor.

From the Paper
"The notion of democracy is a sacred one. In its most idealistic sense it is an inclusive idea; a blueprint for a society which will aptly pool the collective will of the citizenry, thereby realizing the dream of a government by and for the people. The most basic tool employed in a democratic state is the election. Voting is the essential proof of democracy, for it is the vote that endows the people with the power to influence the policies and laws which rule the land. The United States of America has been a symbol of democracy since its inception, championing the will of the people above all else. However, an examination behind the fa?ade of democracy in the United States reveals a troubling statistic: the U.S. is 20th out of 21 in voter turnout among the established democracies of the world(Grofman, 1999)."

Abstract
The paper relates that a democracy is a form of government where the majority rules and selects the leaders. The paper discusses how, in the case of American Democracy, the majority of the electorate is not interested in participating in the process. The paper asserts that this apathy of a large portion of the population should be alarming, but it is met by the same apathy as the voters exhibit. The paper proposes that the midterm elections of 2006 were an example of an oligarchy due to apathy, where the decision of governance was in the hands of a few persons.

From the Paper
"The Fifth Edition of Black's Law Dictionary defines Democracy as "That form of government in which the sovereign power resides in and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens directly or indirectly through a system of representation, as distinguished from a monarchy, aristocracy, or oligarchy". (Black 1979) This form of government, that is held dear and touted by the citizenry, and as Black said is distinguished from a monarchy, ruled by a king, an aristocracy, ruled by the privileged, or an oligarchy, ruled by the few, manages to only garner a minority of its citizens to participate in its elections. The United States Election Project of George Mason University (www.elections.gmu.edu) document the participation rates in elections, and of the 226,357,772 voting age members of the population, excluding ineligible 1.3 million in prison, 2.4 million on probation, half a million on parole, 2.99 million convicted felons, 3.3 million overseas, only 85.3 million found time to participate in the mid-term elections of November of 2006. (www.elections.gmu.edu 2006)"

Tags:government, citizens, participation, eligibility, ballots

Abstract
This paper is an examination of the reasons why American voters are detaching themselves from the American political process. The reasons given for voter apathy in the United States focus primarily upon campaign finance abuses, negative campaigns, and no real choice of candidates. The paper concludes with suggestions for reform centered around reduction of special interest campaign contributions, media controls over negative campaign advertisements, and the formation of a third political party.

Abstract
This paper discusses political socialization, the process of developing political opinions, biases and even political apathy. It discusses the influences of family, schooling, peers, mass media, political parties and religion on one's beliefs. Four methods of indoctrination into the political society are also discussed-- latent, manifest, affective, and instrumental socialization.

From the Paper
"Political socialization begins early on in life and is an ongoing process affecting individuals throughout. It is how people eventually identify personal beliefs and expectations in American politics. These political views can include our level of patriotism, faith in the democratic system, standards by which we hold governing bodies, and opinions regarding public policies. From the playground to the classroom, the office to the dinner table, much of our lives affect our political opinions. The most easily identified agents of this are family, schooling, peers, mass media, political parties and religious influences. Further more, these means indoctrinate us in the political society through four basic methods: latent, manifest, affective, and instrumental socialization."

Tags:development, beliefs, religions, America, environment, democracy, government