How do I become more knowledgeable about politics?

Question

I am 16 years old and I don't know the first thing about politics. Whenever I read the newspaper or watch the news and they're talking about politics, I have no clue what they're talking about. However, I WANT TO know what they're talking about, but I don't know where to start and I want to be able to have an intelligent conversation with someone about politics in the future. How do most people become knowledgeable about politics? Do you think if I read the newspaper everyday, it would start to click? Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

First of all, I applaud your interest in politics. I wish more people your age would like to learn about it. Even though I'm a republican, this answer is honest and without bias. Start watching FoxNews in the evening, that's how I got hooked on politics. It's the only news source that has both sides to an arguement, and allows you to make up your own mind. Liberals curse them for being "fair and balanced" for some reason. If you start reading the paper and watching network news, make sure you catch even a little FoxNews. I suggest the O'Reily Factor, he's very fair and I think you'd like him. Good luck.

Answer 2

It is good that you have an interest in politics, but you have to know that the politics in this country are based more on financial motives than on a matter of integrity nowadays, but that's not to say that all American politicians are crooked and all about the flo, you have to remember that there's always a few bad with the good, there is however always a great number of folk that actually care about getting the right thing done, both Democrat and Republican. The thing about politics is you have to be able to filter the truth out of the lies, and there is a lot of lies, and you have to try and tell when politicians lie when they say stuff on tv, you can always tell, you just have to pay attention and do your homework about what they are talking about. Now don't get caught up in that whole party thing because it really distracts people from solving any problems, just pick one that kinda feels right and stand by the stuff that you and your Political party disagree on, just be in the middle and don't get caught up in all the extremist stuff from either sideor be independent, just make sure you vote, and last but not least watch a whole lotta C-SPAN, it might be a litlle bit boring at first but if you want the true multi- sided face of American politics,and learn the real process and information from people that really work with the information they are questioned on C-SPAN will do the job like they're supposed to. Also always make sure that the media information that you get from anywhere sounds true and really is verified. Hope you find everything you're looking for.

Answer 3

Read the paper, watch c-span, listen to talk radio, go to local government meetings, watch news networks, and talk to the older crowd (make sure it is the smart older crowd, age does not alway make wisdom). There are always local political groups that you can also attend. Also take history classes, understanding why certain policies are in place will help you a lot and knowing what has happened in the past can give insight to what can happen in the future.

Politics is an old profession and there is a lot to learn. There are many different ideologies that come into play as well. The biggest thing about politics is getting information. A lot of times what you will hear is filtered and it might take a while to inform yourself on a certain issue.

At your age, take time to learn what the issues are and why groups think the way they do. You will be tempted to jump on the first thing that comes along but untill you look for both sides of the arguement, it is hard to make an informed decision on which coarse is best for you.

Answer 4

This is the wrong forum for you. Educate yourself. Great thing to do if you are close enough is go to your state capitol and visit the house and senate while in session. Just watch and listen. Read, but not just the newspaper, books also. So you are ready to form an intelligent opinion read both sides of the issues not just left or right, the same with books, both sides. Talk to adult family members and friends , get their opinions (but keep an open mind), remember you want to study issues, not be told what your opinion should be. You can call Legislative Reference at the state and I believe federal level and request a copy of the different bills, they are sometimes difficult to understand , but give it a try. Choose a cause that you are interested in your community and get involved, if there are any public hearings go, listen and take notes if it helps. Be careful with the Internet, so many of the web sites are slated one way or the other, remember allot of what you see is individual opinion and not necessarily fact. Hope some of this helps. Exercise caution if someone offers help but is very negative about one side or the other, remember you are just starting and in fairness to you, no one should
try to "convert" you, just give you ideas.

Answer 5

Since your 16 maybe there is a government class availible at your school Take it! When you watch the news be sure to get a good mix of all the channels because some **cough** FOXNEWS **cough** are very one sided. you should also read a variety of newspapers instead of just one for the same reason as watching more that one news channel. Also certain "news" shows like Nacy Grace (the most biased conservative woman alive)shouldn't necessarily be taken seriously. While there is some good information on those shows you generally have to wade through a lot of BS to get to it. Don't trust websites that don't end in .gov or .edu because anyone can post stuff on the web and a lot of it isn't accurate.

Answer 6

Very good question, and you sound sincere. First, read George Orwell's 1984 and Animal farm. They are short reads, but the political wisdom is priceless.

Then don't listen to the media or the government. Unfortunately these days, the gov't just gives the stories and the language to the media to publish. In effect, the media has become a propaganda arm of the gov't.

Understand motives, not stories. See who benefits when things happen. Is it you? Probably not. See who contributes the most money to who. One of the best indicators is who is paying who to do what, and unfortunatley, they try to keep this secret.

There are always 2 aspects to most political events: the hidden motive where someone profits or gains more power, and the lie fed to the public to keep them obedient.

Do not listen to words - understand the actions and their consequences. Politicians are practiced liars, and they are very very, good. That's why some actors become politicians.

Always seek independent confirmation of a story when possible.
Those in power want to keep it that way: with them in power and you an obedient, hard working plebe.

This is a start anyways. Email me at [e-mail] if you want more correspondence.

Answer 7

Read 1812 it is about the war and a great read actually I listened to it and I don't remember the author's name. After listening to it I became very interested in early politics Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Jackson. Then watch the Daily Show With John Stewart and The Cobert Report on comedy central. You are to young and impressionable for Fox News. The Daily Show will keep politics fun and interesting. If you have the time listen to Rush Limbaugh for the other side of the issues if you can get over is arrogance and drug dependency he is entertaining.

Answer 8

Read the Newspaper every day you can on political stories.
The Chronicle has a good section, on Sundays I think, that is dedicated to National and Political stories or articles. Also read the front page stories.
It is hard to do, or learn to do, but reading the opinion page in the Commentary, opinion and editorial sections is a must. I personally recommend Molly Evans who writes opinion pieces. ( I love Molly Evans' political opinion pieces.)
I am a Liberal Democrat for your information. I respect Republicans, but those who call themselves Conservative Republicans are mostly worried about money, and neo-con Republicans are always bragging about how smart they are and how dumb everyone else is. Watch this bunch nut-cakes. Neo-Cons claim to support their political ideas with facts, but they are infamous for chanting the same old exaggerations, slogans and mantras. Neo-Cons also can not hear anyone but other Neo-Cons.
I welcome you as a new member of the political junkie crowd, and I warn you that we argue all the time, particularly during this stupid dam Iraq War.

Answer 9

May I suggest listening to right wing talk radio. They are very
biased, but in spite of their views which you may or may not
agree with, these conversations are generally very interesting,
and educational. I do not recommend the left wing radio such as
NPR because they are not nearly as entertaining.
The best teachers in college were the ones with a sense of humor and sensitivity. The ones that made us laugh and cry.
I recommend Sean Hannity(con), Alan Colms(lib), Dennis
Praeger(lib), Hugh Hewitt(con), Michael Savage(con), Larry
Elder(con), Al Rantel(con), Joe Crummy(con, very interesting),
Laura Ingraham(con), Rush Limbaugh (con, but not always
interesting), and if you can get ahold of any book written by
Ann Coulter, voted one the hundred most interesting people
in the USA. Bill O'Reilly is in between, but fun. The shows are
usually on AM radio as opposed to FM. Listen for a least a year,
and I guarantee you will have as many opinions under your belt
as anyone else.
I Corinthians 13;8a, Love never fails!!!!!

Answer 10

I think that it is great that you have an interest in politics. My advice to you is to read the newspaper, go to the news websites ( cnn.com, foxnews.com, msnbc.com, etc..), and also watch C-SPAN. If there is a certain issue that you would like to learn about, research it. Learn the facts, and find out the arguments for all sides. In addition, you can also ask someone who is familiar with the issue. Good luck.