To counter pervasive levels of citizen disengagement from political institutions, this book examines democratic innovations that meaningfully engage with citizens to address some of the deficits of Western representative democracies. Citizens’ assemblies provide one such innovation, offering opportunities for more consistent participation between elections, more meaningful input in government decision making, and more impactful platforms for participation. This cutting-edge book introduces a new definition for an Activated Citizen, along with a methodology to measure civic and political engagement. Relying on a mixed-methods approach and field research conducted in Paris, Brussels, Ottawa, and Petaluma (California), as well as participant observations, over 180 surveys, 61 in-depth interviews and storytelling, the book provides case studies and in-depth analysis of hotbutton topics including climate change, unhoused populations, democratic expression, assisted suicide and euthanasia. Each chapter weaves quantitative results with rich qualitative testimonies from participants, government representatives, and observers. Based on empirical evidence, the book explores the ways in which government-led citizens’ assemblies can promote a more Activated Citizen. To fully realize the transformative potential of deliberative platforms, a final chapter offers a blueprint for impact, outlining concrete measures along with recommendations for the design and implementation of future government-initiated deliberative platforms. Activated Citizenship urges the deliberative community to be more discerning and intentional to more positively impact participants’ knowledge, sense of community, enthusiasm, political engagement, as well as their sense of meaningful voice. It will be required reading for all students and scholars interested in political participation and democratic innovation.

Considers the possibilities for active citizenship within areas of broad concern in UK politics: young people and justice; parliaments with the people; women and equality; integrating immigrants; multiculturalism; schools; community; social inclusion and poverty; Europe; nationalisms and Britishness.

Citizens around the world look to the state for social welfare provision, but often struggle to access essential services in health, education, and social security. This book investigates the everyday practices through which citizens of the world's largest democracy make claims on the state, asking whether, how, and why they engage public officials in the pursuit of social welfare. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in rural India, Kruks-Wisner demonstrates that claim-making is possible in settings (poor and remote) and among people (the lower classes and castes) where much democratic theory would be unlikely to predict it. Examining the conditions that foster and inhibit citizen action, she finds that greater social and spatial exposure - made possible when individuals traverse boundaries of caste, neighborhood, or village - builds citizens' political knowledge, expectations, and linkages to the state, and is associated with higher levels and broader repertoires of claim-making.

This exciting, timely new book demystifies citizenship in the democratic process--readers will learn new skills and learn the rules of democracy--illustrating how knowledge can create a successful community. Carefully arranged to lead readers through a process of self-awareness, skills-building, and strategic action, it covers such topics as self-definition of values, writing, reading, critical thinking, team work, and communication for effective leadership. Citizenship is presented in an enthusiastic and positive light throughout the book; real-world vignettes of contemporary social change leaders show how community involvement can better society at large. This book will not only help readers engage powerfully as citizens, but also will help buld the skills necessary for personal and professional success.

Citizenship is an important issue, and becoming a more informed and active citizen is part of growing up. This guide examines what it means to be a citizen in the United States. It explains the ways people become citizens, the responsibilities of a citizen, and the rights of U.S. citizens. Readers can form their own opinions on citizenship by reading engaging discussion questions, sidebars, and fact boxes. In addition, they can better understand the workings of citizenship through corresponding vibrant photographs and graphic organizers that highlight this basic social studies curriculum topic.

A philosophy that advocates that members of charitable organizations, companies, or nation-states have certain roles and responsibilities to society and the environment is referred to as active citizenship. It can be sighted as an articulation of the debate over rights versus responsibilities. There are two complementary aspects of citizenship: citizenship rights and active citizenship. Individual freedoms, political, civil, social, and economic rights are part of citizenship rights while active citizenship includes civic responsibility, campaigning, taking action against injustice, and holding the government accountable. The inference is that an active citizen is one who fulfills both their rights and responsibilities in a balanced way. The book studies, analyses and upholds the pillars of active citizenship and its utmost significance in modern times. It picks up individual topics and explains their need and contribution in the context of a growing economy. For all readers who are interested in active citizenship, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.