Governing is achieved directly through citizen participation and indirectly through institutions (e.g., political parties, interest groups, and mass media) that inform, organize, and mobilize support to influence government and politics, resulting in many venues for citizen influence on policy making.
  • How have changes in technology influenced political communication and behavior?
  • Why do levels of participation and influence in politics vary?
  • How effective are the various methods of political participation in shaping public policies?