Hey guys I'm 16 and I'm new to politics, so any basic things you want to tell me would be great, thanks?

Question

No opinions, only facts!

Answer 1

Here's some suggestions:
-- Make a list of issues that are important to you and prioritize it. Most likely, you won't find a single candidate that you agree with on all issues, so it will help you compare candidates against your most important issues.
-- 10 question quiz; good info on political positions:
http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html
-- More in-depth quiz; world view of political positions, including US Presidential candidates:
http://www.politicalcompass.org/
-- each candidate has a website that lists their position on issues. Google will pull them up
-- If you want to dig deeper, candidates positions on issues, voting records and who's behind their campaign money
http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm
http://www.opensecrets.org/index.asp

For your first time voting, I'd suggest you find out if your state has 'open' or 'closed' primary elections. If they are 'closed', that means you can only vote in the primary election of the party you registered. The advice to register Independent is a good suggestion, but depending on your state's election laws, you might not get to vote in the primary. General election you can vote for whoever you want, no matter the party you register under.

It's YOUR vote!
(This is advice I've saved for those who say they're first-time voters, but I think (hope!) it will help you out).
~~Cheers!

Answer 2

Fact: the U.S. Constitution has a concrete meaning and may only be changed by amendment. This "living constitution" nonsense we've been hearing about lately is just that. It's license for special interests to take over the government using the Constitution to justify their actions.

Fact: what you empower government to do on your behalf can be turned against you by your opposition when they take power.

Fact: both the Right and the Left are equally prone to using government to get what they want, and this is the reason why Americans are at each others throats increasingly more often in general elections.

Fact: those who do not take responsibility for themselves ultimately end up being regulated by bureaucrats.

Answer 3

Look carefully at the policies and goals of each of the major parties.

When my son was a junior in high school, his social studies class took a poll to see where their political views fell in the Democrat - Republican spectrum. To their horror and amazement, 80% of the class turned out to be more closely aligned with the Republican party; some even found out that they were somewhat conservative.

But when 80% - 90% of educators (depending on the part of the country) are Democrats, many of them liberal Democrats, you will not see a balanced presentation of the views of each party.

Research carefully and decide based on fact, not peer pressure or educator pressure. You will find that while the media and education system vehemnently deny bias, there is a deep prejudice against conservatives, and a presentation of liberalism as the only viable option.

Once again, decide based on fact, not perceptions.

Answer 4

Sorry - no studies done on this subject so my opinion: 75% of what you read in Yahoo answers in "government and politics" is wrong/bogus/lies/based on emotions/etc. Look to journals for facts.

Answer 5

if you are serious about politics. Do the research. There is so much misinformation out there. Don't rely on one source for an answer. Watch out for the trolls. Your first and third responder to this question are perfect examples of "trolls"

good luck.

Answer 6

Form your own opinions, always do your best to check the facts yourself.
Read about the freedom of information act, it allows you access to the official records and documents.

Answer 7

Fact---- the model of socialism in government has been proven to fail.

Fact-- Most democrats support socialism, which takes away peoples responsibilities (and abilities) to take care of themselves, forcing other responsible people to foot the bill for taking care of them.

Fact-- Not wanting to be forced to pay a bureaucracy to care for the 'less fortunate' does not mean one is not willing to care for someone who needs help.

Fact-- Free market, through competition, is the best way to ensure improvement on products and services, while maintaining the lowest possible prices.

Answer 8

Al Qaeda votes democrat

Answer 9

one thing about politics i voted for snp for 30 years the second they got in they stabbed me in the back

Answer 10

Dont Trust Anyone