Political literacy refers to having the ability to understand political issues and events from a political perspective using the language and arguments of citizens dealing with public issues. Historically, military service and communal obligation have been connected to citizenship. There has been a decline in political literacy in the 21st century due to distrust in political institutions and a large gap between public and private domains, though organizations have been established to combat political illiteracy and support social studies curriculum.

1. Political Literacy Presented by Jennifer Meltzer 2/18/09

2. What is political literacy? being politically aware and effective It is about having the ability to read about issues and events from a political perspective. This means using the ideas, language, forms of thought, and arguments which citizens use when dealing with a public issue.

3. Other types or ideas? Historically, there has been a connection between: military service and citizenship communal obligation

4. What does being an LMS in the 21 st century mean regarding political literacy? We need to be aware that political literacy is on the decline. MacFarlane believes that this trend of political apathy stems from a distrust or lack of faith in political institutions.

5. Additional facts/ implications: It is also said to stem from a currently large gap between the public and private domains of society. Political literacy is crucial for every citizen, not just politicians, since the goings-on in politics has a direct effect on everybody.

6. How do we solve the problem? organizations have been established whose main goal is to combat political illiteracy, such the Council on Civil Society. Support social studies curriculum. (Ex. HSA review guides, etc.) Newspapers, journals, other periodicals should be kept current and organized http://www.recovery.gov/

7. Reference: Macfarlane, B. (2005, October). The Disengaged Academic: the Retreat from Citizenship. Higher Education Quarterly , 59 (4), 296-312. Retrieved February 17, 2009, doi:10.1111/j.1468-2273.2005.00299.x