Politics is a vast and complicated world. It covers issues like diplomacy, war, the government budget and so on. Furthermore, it is a significant part of your existence, because it is what determines how you have the opportunity to live. In short, understanding it is essential.
Steps
Step 1. Learn about all types of governments that exist and how they work
It is important to know more about the politics of other countries, not just yours, in order to understand how and why certain international relations develop. Also find out the pros and cons of all ideologies.
Step 2. Find out specifically about the political management of your country
You don't just have to know the national government, even the regional and municipal ones. Also, learn more about voting and law-passing mechanisms.
Step 3. Find out what your guaranteed rights are and their limits
For example, in Italy there is freedom of speech. However, this right ends where the rights of another person begin. Threatening to kill someone, for example, is not part of freedom of expression. Find out about your rights and how to exercise them.
Step 4. Watch the news and read the newspapers to find out more about current events
All mass media talk about political issues every single day. For example, they deal with elections, social or economic problems, political systems of other countries and difficulties related to national government.
Step 5. Do a thorough research on current events
Learn how certain aspects have evolved and what effects they have caused. Try to understand what people's opinions are about it. You should find out the impact of all political ideologies, not just one, and discuss them with others in order to get a better idea of them.
Step 6. Look for words you don't know
Expanding your vocabulary is a good way to understand what politicians are talking about.
Step 7. Ask someone you trust to explain the issues that escape you
If you can't understand something despite having done some research, talk to someone who knows more than you to improve your understanding.
Step 8. Learn about all the different types of economics and their pros and cons
Economics is a hot industry in many countries, and it has a certain influence on your life. Politicians have ideas and solutions of their own regarding the progress of the economy and the difficulties facing the nation.
Step 9. Learn about politicians' careers and backgrounds
There are usually websites that present these details. Search for names on Google to understand what their economic and political ideologies are. This is especially useful once you are of the right age to vote.
Step 10. Talk to political representatives or officials in the area you live in or in the country in general, but be sure to indicate your city and region of origin and the postcode, otherwise they almost always throw away these types of letters, while e- mail ends up in the spam box
Indeed, political figures often receive advice or complaints from people they don't even represent or who live in places where they cannot exercise any authority. Junk mail (propaganda or advertising) is a waste of money and effort for everyone, not just them.
Step 11. Try to cultivate a better understanding of how power-related mechanisms work (not just political, economic too)
Try to understand that democracy is not a perfect system, so there are many factors to consider in order to take politics seriously. For example, if you really want to make a contribution to change the world, read the books by Marx, Rousseau and so on before you intervene.
Advice
- Learn about all the ramifications of government.
- Try expanding your vocabulary regularly.
- Knowing more about the politics of the whole world, not just that of your country, will help you better understand what concerns you firsthand.
- Try to understand what the functions of the different subdivisions of government are.
- When a politician is mentioned on the news or in a newspaper, look for him to find out who he is and what he represents.
- Remember that politics basically deals with matters relating to government and the role it plays in your life. This includes social issues (abortion, same-sex marriage), economics, diplomacy, elections, laws, rights, working conditions and so on.
- Updated on the exchange rate between foreign currencies; this information will be useful if you visit a country where a different currency is used for business or personal reasons.
Websites with Government Related Information
- www.governo.it (official portal of the Italian government).
- If you are interested in a particular ministry, you will find specific sites.
Warnings
- Analyze the manipulation carried out by the mass media in order to make you think in the way they prefer. Many news sources are biased and defend a certain ideology (such as liberal or conservative), so it's important to read and look at everything, discovering all opinions, not just one. When someone accuses another person of something, it's okay to hear the different bells before you can come to your own conclusions.
- Always try to keep an open mind regarding your political views.
