Political Realignment Curse

a) Are we in the midst of a political realignment in America?

Political realignment is an aspect, which is in evitable in America. It is evident that the political scenes in America today are changing from one state to the other. It is clear across the nation that realignment is not only bringing significant changes in the political scenes, but the changes are evident and are affecting the social and economic circles too. The big picture in political circles in America is that of minority parties rising up to become the most influential across the board. On the other hand, people in the majority parties have to stir up their confidence to catch up with the completion. In this context, political realignment is one of the major features in America (Winograd & Hais, 2009).

b) What role will social capital play in fostering / hindering the realignment?

The social capital in the nation plays a key role in rebuilding and improving social standards. This is an aspect, which is key in developing the social, economic, and political status if the nation. Hence, it becomes a contributing factor that enhances realignment. Often, politicians use social capital in ways that can attract the attention of the voters to their favors. As a result, the voters focus on the improvements and developments done by a particular politician through the social capital. In this way, such candidates win their votes. Consequently, social capital is paramount in political realignment.

c) What role will technology play in fostering / hindering the realignment?

Technology propels political realignment in a remarkable manner. Technology is clearly a driving force that influences the participation of various voters across borders. For instance, the use of social networks through the internet has been a strategy that has increased and decreased voters from one candidate to another in a considerable manner. Currently, the media is the most influential means of turning political tables around. As a result, political leaders have turned to the internet as a substantial strategy to obtain favors from voters.

2. How can new technologies engage voters and build social capital?

Technology influences voters from different social and economic levels. It is a binding factor that enhances people to choose a certain aspect, as opposed to another. It affects the thoughts of the voters. Often voters are pulled to choose a certain aspect that affects their needs and wants in social and economic life. Consequently, voters will often influence each other to choose a particular way of building the society. Hence, technology has been on the fore front in influencing the use of social capital.

a) Discuss the differences between traditional / community -- based social capital and virtual / online social capital.

Traditional / community-based social capital is primarily composed of people having common historical background which binds them to a common course. On the other hand, Virtual / online social capital refer to connections which arise amidst people who meet through internet connections. Such a people are bound by common interests. They may not have a common background but influence each other based on a specific goal.

3. Are strong civic and community associations required for a vital democracy?

It is true that both civic and community associations are paramount in democracy. Democracy requires people to stand in unison to instigate change. On the other hand, the system of the majority bring is changes, which is contributed by civic involvements. History records that democracy became significant once the people stood with one agenda (Winograd & Hais, 2008). In the same way, political realignment comes as a result of democracy and civic.

Discuss the challenges inherent with the Internet or other technologies being utilized to facilitate civic involvement and participation in community associations.

a) Technology can cause people to turn negative towards a certain project or candidate. This is because different people have various agendas and one can impose a bad image of an association in a quest to building for another. In this way, it becomes a challenge to control the thoughts of the people

b) Technology may not reach out remote areas. There are some places with many people and supportive voters. However, with poor infrastructure and lack of information, it becomes a major challenge to influence such people. In this context, technology cannot be effective except to use traditional means for the same purpose. On the other hand, technology has chances of failing for one reason or another.

4. Can millennial voters lead a resurgence of political participation in America?

Yes, it is possible that millennials lead to a rebirth of new political participation. Technology has contributed significantly...

Many young people today receive information in the nick of time and communicate faster. In this way, the millennials can affect the choice of new leaders, which enhance the resurgence of political participation. It is critical to note that information is a key aspect in the resurgence of political participation. The 21st century has brought in new trends of events with high use of technology and modern lifestyles. Such have triggered the young people to change political styles to suit their present interests.
a) Describe the social capital utilized by these individuals, including how it has formed and developed. In addition, address the importance of social capital to this cohort in your response.

The millenials utilize the bridging social capital. Such a people overlook their social and ethnic background and are connected by other external factors such as educational background, friendship, e.t.c. Such aspects create a common ground for these individuals to communicate. For instance, young stars that learn in the same classroom can easily communicate and affect each other interest. In this way, they form groups with or without political ambition. In the end, these connections affect voter participation (Putnam, 2000).

Social capital is an aspect that distinctly affects the millennials. It is through the products of such meetings and bonds that result to political realignment. Hence, it is crucial and imperative to note that social capital affects the participation of the millenials in an extreme manner. Consequently, this cohort looks up to this social capital for influence and more so lasting connections.

5. How will social networks and technological innovations change America's foundation of social capital?

The role of modern technology cannot be overlooked in the current millennium. Social networks have contributed extensively in changing the perspective of many people especially the voters. The influence which is made by millennials through social networks is key in changing the status of the social capital. It is evident that most young people are likely to take similar options. In this way, the foundations of social capital will be significantly affected thus leading to realignment (Putnam, 2000).

Engagement of New Voters

Module 8 discussion 1

According to your readings, what role will social capital play in leading or preventing the engagement of Millennial voters?

Social capital will affect the decisions of the young voters. It is through social capital that young people with a common background can make a strong and unified choice. As a result, these people engage more in voting.

What methods might be used to engage young voters?

The modern society is likely to adopt modern technology as a means of communicating faster and easily to these people.

Do you agree with the authors' assessment? Why or Why not? Post your reply and then discuss areas where you agree and disagree with your classmates.

I agree with the thoughts of Putnam (2000) that social capital plays an imperative role in build connections between people. Putnam highlights political leaders that determine the use of social capital. Hence, social capital is a tool that is essential for political realignment.

On the other hand, Wattenberg (2008) highlights that young people play a crucial role in the changing electoral alignment today. The 21st century has brought in new trends of events with high use of technology and modern lifestyles. Such have triggered the young people to change political styles to suit their present interests. In this context, the millennia's have come up with multiples of democracies which affect politics negatively.

Module 8 current events Blog

Throughout the learning activities and readings in this course, you are introduced to various concepts pertaining to American political behavior. The ideology behind this activity is to lay bare a conceptual comprehension and application to current events. Begin by identifying a concept that you have encountered in your text readings. For your own understanding, jot down its meaning and context for reference.

Political stability is a major concept in studying and understanding political realignment. It is through political stability that changes can be effective. Alternatively, a society that is not politically stable encounters many challenges in social, economic, and political growth.

Next, search online news sources to find a current event that is related to our area of study. In a paragraph, provide a summary of the news event, and links to the web site describing the event. Your final step is to write a paragraph outlining the concept and show how it relates to the issue. Post your paragraphs in the blog

The recent event on political realignment amongst American Jewish…