Like every other freshman entering college, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to major in. I put down Psychology just to have something on my application, but I knew it wasn't something I was truly passionate about. After exploring the classes Rollins offered, I felt confident in my new choice. By the end of my first semester, I had declared myself an English major. However, by the end of my second semester, I had declared myself a double major in English and Political Science.
I took my Introduction to Comparative Politics course on a whim. I needed another class and this one fit in my time schedule. Thinking I would drone through the class for the entire semester, I signed up. Surprisingly, I found myself drawn to the material. My professor encouraged me to participate and explained things in a way that made them interesting. By the end of the semester I had grown confident in my ability to analyze different regime types, and my professor encouraged me to add Political Science as one of my majors. I decided to listen.
While I've only taken a few political science courses, it's already become clear to me why an understanding of politics and government are important. In America, many people boast about our system. While the Obama administration has brought forward some bitter Republicans, there is still an ingrained American mindset claiming that we are the best country because we are a true democracy. I could very easily go into the qualifications for a democracy and explain why a true democracy can be found nowhere in the world, let alone North America, but I digress.
The fact is, so many Americans discuss politics today but only repeat the things that they've heard through media or other people. While the media can prove a useful source for politics, bias can turn a story quickly if you aren't aware of what you're watching. Understanding the basis for the American government is crucial in developing your own personal opinion. Repeating what you hear from your parents or the news does not help you understand politics more; it just manages to brainwash you. I don't only mean to apply this to Republicans or Democrats, but any household in general. America's beliefs are based in listening to the opinions of every man and woman, so why should we encourage people to just repeat what they hear from others?
Understanding the history and interpretations of the American Constitution are important to forming your own educated opinion on American government. This can also be applied to anywhere else in the world. If you claim to be proud of your country, then you should educate yourself on the way it works. Having a say in your own government may be a right in America, but to some places it is a luxury.
Political Science is fascinating to me, but I understand it isn't for everyone. However, just taking a peak at the campaigns for the presidential candidates or listening to some neutral news sources can be great for a person's education. Understanding your country's government is important, because the science behind your government is a summary of your country's history, morality, and pride.
