In his book Dalton discusses the transformation of the American Citizen. He draws a distinction between two types of citizens. A duty-based citizen which is the traditional American citizen who pays taxes, votes, & is politically inclined. And, an engaged citizen "emphasizes a more assertive role for the citizen and a broader definition the elements of citizenship to include social concerns and the welfare of others" (Dalton 5). Dalton states that duty based citizens are declining and the number of engaged citizens are increasing. Both types of these citizens have important roles as he has mentioned. The roles of the traditional citizen affect the outcomes of of elections in government and the roles of the engaged citizen affect other political actions.
Dalton's views of American citizenship could be related to many things that are going on today in America. There might be studies that support his assertion of the declining traditional citizen. There have been discussions about less younger people participating in voting elections and etc. The people who are participating in the protests that are going on in Wisconsin could perhaps be classified as the engaged citizens. It would be interesting to learn how those protests in Wisconsin will change and reshape the policies.
Dalton's views of American citizenship could be related to many things that are going on today in America. There might be studies that support his assertion of the declining traditional citizen. There have been discussions about less younger people participating in voting elections and etc. The people who are participating in the protests that are going on in Wisconsin could perhaps be classified as the engaged citizens. It would be interesting to learn how those protests in Wisconsin will change and reshape the policies.
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