How to Get Interested in Politics

How many times have we heard the phrase, "Well, I'd vote, but I just don't know anything about the candidates or the issues." Or how about, "I just can't get into politics. It just doesn't interest me."? Both of those are pretty lame excuses for not being an informed, proactive citizen. Don't let your lack of interest in politics keep you from knowing what's going on. Getting interested in politics will keep you up on what you need to know as a tax-paying citizen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A news source
• A desire to learn

1. Watch or read the news. Finding an unbiased news source is a hugely
   important part of this step. Find a network or magazine that doesn't lean
   one way or the other so you can reach your own conclusions.
2. Investigate. You'll need to familiarize yourself with the issues and key players, so make sure you do your research, even if it means going beyond your weekly newspaper and nightly newscast.
3. Find out how the issues affect you. You'll likely want to know the implications of each of the issues and how they affect you and your daily life. If you don't know this, there's no reason to care.
4. Discuss with others. Finding out other's opinions and points of views can help you develop a better sense of what you agree and disagree with and why.
5. Pick a side. Like cheering for your favorite team, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can become wrapped up in it, and how opinionated you'll have become.