Children can learn about the political process at a young age through high-quality children’s literature and civic involvement. They can also start to understand political parties and their platforms.
When talking to kids about politics, it’s important to offer reassurance and positivity. You should also share information from reputable sources you trust.
What is a politician?
A politician is a person who holds or seeks a position of public office. In the United States, politicians are elected to represent citizens at the city, county, state, and national level. Politicians work within a system of government that includes the executive branch, which is headed by the President; the legislative branch, which consists of Congress, the bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate; and the judicial branch, which has the Supreme Court.
A politician can begin their career with a local or community position, such as mayor or town council member. During this stage, politicians establish relationships and build support that will help them run for higher office, such as the state senate or Congress. They also gain the experience of campaigning, fundraising, and building a coalition of voters that will help them achieve their goals. By this time, they have survived at least one reelection campaign and are beginning to develop a reputation for effectiveness and reliability in their area of expertise.
How do politicians make decisions?
As children get older, they will become more interested in political issues. At this point, they may start learning about different political parties and party platforms in school. It is also at this time that children are more able to understand how laws are made and the difference between local, state and federal government.
It is important to show kids that politicians are people just like them. They have virtues and shortcomings just as we do. It is also a good idea to teach your kids that it is fine to disagree with someone, just as long as it’s done respectfully.
A great way to introduce your kids to politics is by reading books, listening to news shows and watching documentaries together. You should try to expose them to sources that have a variety of viewpoints so they learn how to consider and debate an issue without writing someone off because of their viewpoint or beliefs.
How do politicians get elected?
Elections make a fundamental contribution to democratic governance. Since direct democracy (in which political decisions are made by the entire body of qualified voters) is impossible in modern societies, a system of representative government has evolved to enable voters to select leaders and hold them accountable for their performance. Elections provide voters with an opportunity to choose a candidate and party that represents their interests and values.
Candidates for national office must meet basic qualifications to run and are typically chosen through a process called the Electoral College or in states’ primaries and caucuses, and by political parties at their national conventions. Voters receive information about candidates and issues through television and radio broadcasts, newspapers, direct mailings, phone campaigns, social media, and other means of communication. Members of the House of Representatives are elected by a majority vote, while Senators are selected according to a more complex method of counting votes called proportional representation.
What is a vote?
If a child is not yet old enough to vote, politics might not seem like a topic that is worthy of their attention. They may already be overwhelmed by national news coverage that can make it difficult to discern which information is reliable and which is not. This, combined with their limited understanding of political processes and their reliance on snippets of overheard conversations, can lead to fearful misunderstandings.
Kids are naturally interested in people and things in their community, and they can learn more about political process by observing it firsthand. Whether it’s a local volunteer collecting donations, a veteran selling poppies on the street or a community meeting discussing how to solve an issue, these real-life examples can give a good introduction to civic engagement.
If a child is of voting age, it’s important to help them understand how to use their vote responsibly. It is a privilege that many fought for, and they should feel comfortable expressing their opinions. If they are able to do so in a way that does not interfere with the democratic process, they will grow up knowing that their voice matters.
