How do you feel about the idea of a “good despot” as a ruler?
- I think a benevolent dictator could be efficient, but ultimately I believe in the power of the people.
- I’m wary of absolute power, no matter how well-intentioned.
- I think it depends on the specific circumstances and the character of the leader.
What’s your favorite aspect of representative government?
- The accountability it brings to those in power.
- The potential for diverse voices to be heard.
- The balance it strikes between individual liberty and collective decision-making.
What makes you nervous about direct democracy?
- The potential for mob rule and short-sighted decisions.
- The complexity of getting everyone informed and involved.
- The risk of tyranny of the majority.
What makes you most frustrated about the current state of political discourse?
- The lack of civility and respect for differing viewpoints.
- The spread of misinformation and the difficulty of discerning truth.
- The influence of special interests and the erosion of public trust.
What are you most excited about when you think about the potential of a well-functioning democracy?
- Seeing citizens actively engaged in shaping their own destinies.
- Witnessing progress on critical issues through collective action.
- The possibility of a more just and equitable society.
What do you dream about when it comes to the future of government?
- A world where governments are truly representative and accountable to their people.
- A future where political discourse is civil, informed, and focused on finding solutions.
- A global community where every individual has a voice and can contribute to a better future.
What happened in the past when you felt most politically engaged or disillusioned?
- I felt most engaged during a local election where I campaigned for a candidate I believed in.
- I became disillusioned when I saw corruption and self-serving behavior from elected officials.
- I felt most engaged when I organized a petition drive to address an issue that mattered to me.
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “tyranny of the majority?”
- The importance of protecting the rights of minorities.
- The dangers of populism and the need for thoughtful deliberation.
- The potential for a majority to impose its will on others without regard for their rights.
What’s your favorite historical example of a successful (or unsuccessful) representative government?
- The Athenian Democracy, for its emphasis on citizen participation (or its eventual decline).
- The Roman Republic, for its system of checks and balances (or its descent into empire).
- The United States, for its enduring Constitution (or its current political polarization).
When you were a kid, how did you learn about government and politics?
- Through school, mostly.
- By talking to my parents and family.
- By reading books and news articles.
You have a choice of participating in a protest or writing to your representative, which do you choose?
- Protest – I believe in making my voice heard loud and clear.
- Write – I prefer to engage in a more direct and reasoned manner.
- It depends on the specific issue and the potential impact of each action.
A specific law is being proposed that you feel strongly about. How do you react?
- I research the issue, contact my representatives, and organize with others who share my views.
- I sign petitions, donate to relevant organizations, and spread awareness on social media.
- I stay informed, but I’m hesitant to get directly involved.
What keeps you up at night about the state of the world and its governance?
- The rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms.
- Climate change and the lack of global cooperation to address it.
- Economic inequality and the growing gap between the rich and the poor.
Which of these roles in a representative government would you enjoy the most: elected official, political advisor, or activist citizen?
- Elected Official: I want to be directly involved in making decisions.
- Political Advisor: I prefer to work behind the scenes, offering my expertise.
- Activist Citizen: I’m passionate about advocating for change from the outside.
When you think about the concept of power, what are you most concerned about?
- Its potential for abuse and corruption.
- The ways in which it can be used to silence dissent and maintain inequality.
- The responsibility that comes with wielding it ethically and effectively.
What aspect of civic engagement makes you the most happy?
- Seeing people come together to make a difference in their communities.
- Witnessing the positive impact of collective action on real-world issues.
- Feeling like I am part of something larger than myself and contributing to a greater good.
What is most likely to make you feel down about the state of politics?
- Apathy and cynicism from my fellow citizens.
- Gridlock and inaction on important issues.
- The spread of misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion.
In a perfect world, what would political discourse look like?
- Respectful, fact-based, and focused on finding common ground.
- Inclusive of diverse perspectives and open to compromise.
- Driven by a genuine desire to serve the common good.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect system of government be?
- A system that balances individual liberty with the common good.
- A government that is truly representative and accountable to its people.
- A world where every voice is heard and every citizen has the opportunity to participate.
How often do you vote in local and national elections?
- Always. It’s my civic duty.
- Usually, unless something prevents me.
- Rarely. I don’t feel like my vote matters.
You are at a party and a political debate breaks out. What do you do?
- Jump right in! I love a good debate.
- Listen attentively and offer my perspective if I feel it’s appropriate.
- Try to steer the conversation towards a less contentious topic.
How comfortable are you expressing your political views publicly?
- Very comfortable. I believe in standing up for what I believe in.
- Somewhat comfortable, depending on the context and the audience.
- Not very comfortable. I prefer to keep my political views private.
You have a free weekend to do whatever you want. Do you attend a political rally, volunteer for a cause you care about, or catch up on sleep?
- Political Rally: I’m passionate about making a difference.
- Volunteer: I believe in giving back to my community.
- Catch up on sleep: I’m burnt out and need a break from it all.
Which of these issues is most likely to be a struggle for you: balancing individual rights with the common good, the role of government in people’s lives, or the influence of money in politics?
- Individual rights vs. common good: It’s a complex issue with no easy answers.
- Role of government: I have strong beliefs about what the government should and shouldn’t do.
- Money in politics: It undermines democracy and erodes public trust.
Which member of the “political spectrum” are you: passionate advocate, informed observer, or disengaged skeptic?
- Passionate advocate: I actively campaign and engage in political discourse.
- Informed observer: I stay informed, but I’m not as politically active.
- Disengaged skeptic: I’m disillusioned by politics and tend to avoid it.
New information comes out about a political candidate you support. What is your first response?
- I carefully evaluate the information from reliable sources before forming an opinion.
- I feel a pang of disappointment, but I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
- I immediately dismiss it as a smear campaign.
What’s your go-to source for political news and analysis?
- A specific newspaper or news website known for its in-depth reporting.
- A particular political podcast that offers insightful commentary.
- I try to get my information from a variety of sources to avoid bias.
What political concept or system do you most want to learn more about?
- The history of democratic thought and its evolution over time.
- Different models of representative government and their strengths and weaknesses.
- The role of international institutions in global governance.
What’s your favorite memory related to a time you made a difference or felt politically empowered?
- Voting for the first time.
- Participating in a protest that led to meaningful change.
- Volunteering for a political campaign and feeling like my voice mattered.
What political causes or issues are you most passionate about?
- Climate change and environmental protection.
- Social justice and equality for all.
- Education reform and access to quality healthcare.
What is your absolute favorite way to engage in the political process?
- Donating to candidates or organizations I believe in.
- Having thoughtful conversations with people who hold different views.
- Creating art or music that expresses my political beliefs.
How would your friends and family describe your approach to politics and governance?
- Passionate and engaged.
- Informed but not overbearing.
- A bit cynical, but with a good heart.
Tell us a little about your personal philosophy when it comes to the balance of power between individuals and the government.
- I believe in a limited government that protects individual rights while also promoting the common good.
- I lean more towards a collectivist approach, where the government plays a more active role in ensuring social welfare.
- I think the ideal balance depends on the specific context and the needs of the people.
If you could choose any political system to live under (regardless of whether it currently exists), which one would you choose and why?
- A direct democracy, where citizens have a direct say in all matters of governance.
- A technocracy, where experts in various fields make decisions based on evidence and data.
- A system that combines elements of different ideologies, tailored to the specific needs of the society.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the word “democracy?”
- Freedom.
- Equality.
- Responsibility.
What political issue affects you most on a personal level?
- Climate change, as it threatens the future of our planet.
- Economic inequality, as it creates barriers to opportunity.
- Healthcare access, as it directly impacts my family’s well-being.
What’s your idea of a truly effective and ethical leader?
- Someone who listens to their constituents, acts with integrity, and prioritizes the common good.
- A visionary who inspires others and works tirelessly to achieve a better future.
- A pragmatic problem-solver who makes tough decisions based on evidence and reason.
What is your strongest belief when it comes to the relationship between individuals and their government?
- That individuals have a right and a responsibility to hold their government accountable.
- That a strong government is essential for protecting individual rights and promoting social welfare.
- That the best government is one that governs least, allowing individuals the freedom to pursue their own goals.
Assessment Question Formats:
How prepared are you for a future where your country’s political system undergoes significant change?
- I’m a political junkie, bring it on!
- I’m adaptable and stay informed, so I’m ready for whatever comes.
- Honestly, it makes me kind of nervous. I like the way things are.
What happens if your preferred political candidate loses an election?
- I respect the outcome, stay engaged, and continue to advocate for my beliefs.
- I’m disappointed, but I move on with my life and hope for the best.
- I question the legitimacy of the election and become more cynical about politics.
What do you think you need to become a more informed and engaged citizen?
- More time to devote to research and activism.
- Access to unbiased and reliable sources of information.
- A stronger sense of community and shared purpose.
How often do you discuss political issues with friends, family, or colleagues?
- Frequently. I enjoy a good political debate.
- Occasionally, when the topic naturally arises.
- Rarely. I prefer to avoid conflict.
How confident are you in your ability to make a difference in the political process?
- Very confident. I believe that every voice matters.
- Somewhat confident, as long as I’m working with others.
- Not very confident. It often feels like an uphill battle.
How do you handle disagreements with others about politics?
- I listen respectfully, engage in thoughtful discussion, and try to find common ground.
- I avoid the topic altogether.
- I get defensive and dig in my heels, determined to prove my point.
Do you feel a sense of belonging to a political party or movement?
- Yes, strongly.
- I align with a party’s values, but I don’t consider myself a member.
- Not really. I feel like none of them fully represent my views.
How well do you stick to your political convictions, even when they are challenged?
- I’m open to considering different perspectives, but my core beliefs are strong.
- It depends on the issue and the strength of the argument presented.
- I tend to avoid conflict and go with the flow.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your political ideology: firmly rooted, evolving, or uncertain?
- Firmly rooted: I’ve held these beliefs for a long time.
- Evolving: I’m always learning and refining my views.
- Uncertain: I’m still figuring out where I stand on many issues.
To what degree do you experience political apathy or cynicism?
- Rarely. I’m generally optimistic about the future.
- Sometimes, especially after a disappointing election or event.
- Often. I find it difficult to stay engaged when things feel so polarized.
Which of these best describes your current level of political engagement: actively involved, casually informed, or disengaged?
- Actively involved: I vote, volunteer, and stay informed.
- Casually informed: I keep up with the news, but that’s about it.
- Disengaged: Politics just isn’t my thing.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to understanding or participating in politics?
- Finding the time and energy to stay informed and engaged.
- Filtering through the noise and misinformation to find reliable sources.
- Overcoming feelings of powerlessness and making my voice heard.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a complex political issue?
- Curiosity. I want to learn more about all sides of the issue.
- A sense of responsibility to form an informed opinion.
- Overwhelm and a desire to disengage.
How do you handle feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of political news?
- I set boundaries and limit my exposure.
- I focus on specific issues that I’m passionate about.
- I check out completely and distract myself with other things.
How would you describe your relationship to politics?
- It’s an important part of my life and identity.
- I see it as a civic duty, but not necessarily something I’m passionate about.
- It’s something I try to avoid as much as possible.
Are you stuck in a political echo chamber, surrounded by people who share your views?
- Not really. I make an effort to engage with diverse perspectives.
- It’s possible. I tend to gravitate towards people who share my values.
- Yes, definitely. I find it difficult to escape my own bubble.
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to being the kind of citizen you want to be?
- Balancing my political activism with other commitments in my life.
- Overcoming feelings of cynicism and staying hopeful about the future.
- Finding effective ways to make a difference and create positive change.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your own political awareness and participation?
- To become a more informed and effective advocate for the issues I care about.
- To use my voice and my vote to create a more just and equitable world.
- To find a way to engage with politics in a way that feels meaningful and empowering.
What do you think is missing in your quest to become more politically engaged or effective?
- Time, resources, and a stronger sense of community.
- A clear understanding of how the political process works and how I can make a difference.
- The motivation to overcome my cynicism and apathy.
What emotion do you experience most when engaging with political news or discussions: hope, anger, fear, or resignation?
- Hope: I believe we can create a better future.
- Anger: I’m outraged by injustice and inequality.
- Fear: I’m worried about the direction our world is heading.
- Resignation: I often feel powerless to change things.
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis: the state of the world, the political climate in your country, or your own ability to make a difference?
- The state of the world: It feels overwhelming at times.
- The political climate in my country: It’s a source of stress and anxiety.
- My own ability to make a difference: I often feel powerless.
How confident and informed do you feel in your daily life when it comes to navigating political discussions or decisions?
- Confident and informed: I’m comfortable expressing my views and engaging in debates.
- Somewhat confident, but I know there’s always more to learn.
- Not very confident. I often feel out of my depth.
How well do you think your country is currently living up to its ideals?
- We’re making progress, but there’s still a long way to go.
- We’ve strayed from our values and need to course-correct.
- I’m not sure we ever lived up to them in the first place.
How connected do you feel to your local community and its political landscape?
- Very connected. I actively participate in local organizations and events.
- Somewhat connected. I’m aware of local issues, but not always directly involved.
- Not very connected. I don’t have strong ties to my community.
I believe that my political participation can truly make a difference.
- Strongly agree.
- Somewhat agree.
- Neutral.
- Somewhat disagree.
- Strongly disagree.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you: political apathy, corruption, gridlock, or misinformation?
- Apathy: It’s frustrating when people don’t seem to care.
- Corruption: It undermines trust in government and erodes democracy.
- Gridlock: It’s infuriating when nothing gets done.
- Misinformation: It’s dangerous and makes it difficult to have productive conversations.
What is the trickiest part about staying informed about politics?
- Finding the time to stay up-to-date on everything.
- Discerning fact from fiction and avoiding bias.
- Staying engaged without becoming overwhelmed or cynical.
Do you tend to lean more towards activism or education when it comes to creating political change?
- Activism: I believe in taking direct action to make my voice heard.
- Education: I believe in empowering others with knowledge and information.
- A balance of both: They are both important for creating lasting change.
Do you have a trusted network of friends or family you discuss politics with?
- Yes, we have lively debates and share resources with one another.
- I have a few close friends I discuss these things with occasionally.
- Not really, I prefer to keep my political views private.
How do you determine your own political priorities and areas of focus?
- I consider which issues have the biggest impact on my life and my community.
- I reflect on my values and what kind of world I want to live in.
- I’m still figuring it out and trying to find what resonates with me.
Are your personal actions consistently reflecting your political beliefs and values?
- Yes, for the most part.
- I’m working on aligning my actions with my values more consistently.
- Not always. It can be challenging to live up to my ideals all the time.