Resources for participating in U.S. Government
By Robert Longley, About.com Guide to US Government Info
Sure, you have every right to sit at home and just let government happen to you. No law requires you to vote, keep up with what the government is doing, or ever contact your elected representatives. Of course, when you don’t take part in it, like it or not, what you get is everyone else’s government.
Voting and Elections
Participatory government, government by the people, is the foundation of democracy, and voting is the foundation of democracy. If you only do one thing to take part in your government, whether at the national, state or local level, make it voting.
- Why So Many Americans Don't Vote
- Registering to Vote
- Election Day Guide Questions and Answers
- People Who Can Help You at the Polls
- If You Make a Mistake While Voting
- Counting the Votes
- Primaries, Caucuses and Conventions
- The Electoral College System: Electing a President
- Why the Electoral College?
- Electoral College Not the Founders' First Choice
- Electoral Votes for Each State
- Why America Needs Third Political Parties
- Political Campaign Contribution Laws for Individuals
- Why We Vote When We Vote
- Protecting Your Right to Vote: Four Laws with One Goal
- How to Report Voting Rights Problems
- Bad Ballots Cause Bad Elections
Make Your Voice Heard
The people you elect work for you. You should and can talk to them – tell them what you expect them to do. You can write your elected officials letters, you can even meet with them face-to-face. If done right, personal contact with your elected representatives can have a tremendous effect.
Keeping Current
Congress passes hundreds of laws every session. Government agencies enact dozens of federal regulations to enforce those laws. These actions impact the daily lives of Americans. You need to know.
