(a) What is political apathy?
(b) State any two dangers of political apathy to the society.
(c) Highlight four ways of addressing political apathy.
Explanation
a. Definition of political apathy
Political apathy is the loss of interest and manifestations of withdrawal from politics/political activities by citizens of a country.
b. Dangers of political apathy to the society
- Dangers of political apathy to the society
- Emergence of undemocratic government.
- Lack of accountability by government officials.
- Denial of citizen’s rights.
- Breeding of corruption in government.
- Denial of the dividends of democracy to the electorate.
- Slowing down the pace of political development.
- Loss of respect for political leaders.
c. Ways of addressing political apathy
- Creating awareness of political rights of citizens.
- Defending the political rights of the less privilege in the society.
- Encouraging participation in election and other political activities.
- Encouraging press freedom.
- Encouraging an independent and corrupt free electoral body.
- Cultivating civic values in the citizens.
- Joining/forming political organizations.
- Ensuring effective teaching and learning of civic education in schools.
- Discouraging the use of political thugs/electoral violence.