You've been asked previously to assess and comment your own level of political knowledge. You also been asked to consider what consequence political ignorance has for our ability to sustain a democratic republic. If you put two and two together you probably figured out that - to some degree - the future of the republic depends on you and the amount of knowledge you have about the political and governing process, along with its ability to ensure you make informed decisions based on tangible facts.I hope that puts some weight on your shoulders.
You may have done especially well on the political knowledge quiz, but the problem with this stuff is that it just keeps going on and on. To be politically aware requires loads of work, which makes our brains hurt. But since the consequence is the gradual loss of the ability to have a responsive government - to have a governing system based on self rule - it may be necessary to put up with the headaches.
We have lives to live however, things that require our attention that make it difficult to acquire and process the information necessary to be fully informed citizens.
This creates a problem. How do we in fact become effective citizens? How much work is required?
That's what I want you to comment on in this assessment - the personal responsibility assessment. What is your personal responsibility to preserve the republic, at least in terms of the knowledge you should acquire in order to be the type of citizen deemed necessary to do so? Keep in mind it is impossible to know everything. With that in mind what type of knowledge is essential to be that type of citizen? What type of knowledge might be superfluous? How much time should be spend staying informed? How much time should be left to other pursuit?
This is not due until the end of the semester.
Write as much or as little as you deem necessary - but this will be graded, keep that in mind. Turn it in in Blackboard.
