Political apathy

Lack of participation in politics may be caused directly by discriminatory regulations or indirectly by the workings of bureaucracy, which may tend to make individuals or individual groups feel that action is not worth while since it will be blocked in the bureaucratic process. State controlled systems, while encouraging economic and social cohesion, provide no scope for democratic protest, whereas in democracies apathy may result from the dilution of proposals in order to obtain consensus. Lack of communication contributes to general apathy. Liberal ideology thinks in terms of the citizen's lack of representation in decision centres or his non-use of it. Socialist theory emphasizes that lack of political participation can occur at all levels of society.

Existing political rights may not be used because of political ignorance, ignorance concerning legislation, fear of authority, the need to form pressure groups rather than act as an individual, lack of information, or disinterest. It may cause or be a result of dictatorship, political repression and political alienation, or derive from a high standard of living or the effects of corruption in blocking political participation.

Political apathy or lack of participation in politics, may lead to anarchy, fanaticism, and political, social or national disintegration. The underutilization of political rights undermines the practice and principles of democracy and may in extreme cases lead to dictatorship.

1. Political apathy at the national level is due to a healthy resurgence of interest in political activity at the local and community levels, especially through volunteerism, charitable giving and neighbourhood associations.

1. Disenchantment with society
2. Decline in civic participation
3. Apathy

1. Unprofitable local politics
2. Inadequate political parties
3. Electoral apathy
4. Disillusionment with democracy

1. Unethical practices of government
2. Unethical practices in the public sector
3. Undemocratic political organization
4. Political opportunism
5. Political inertia
6. Political ignorance
7. Political alienation
8. National political disintegration

1. Unethical practices in politics
2. Power politics
3. Political repression
4. Political prejudice
5. Political injustice
6. Political immaturity
7. Mediocrity of government leaders
8. Lack of press freedom
9. Ideological discrimination in politics
10. Elitist public information
11. Denial of freedom of thought
12. Cynicism
13. Bias in selection of political candidates

1. Student revolt

1. Underutilization of legal rights
2. Social apathy
3. Sacrifice of political ideals
4. Inadequate grass-roots initiative
5. Complacency
6. Bureaucracy as an organizational disease

1. Using power politics
2. Using political will
3. Using political pressure
4. Using political organization
5. Using political favouritism
6. Using political exploitation
7. Using political expediency
8. Using political apathy
9. Using political aggression
10. Using political accountability structure
11. Using extremist political activity
12. Using consensus politics
13. Providing sufficient participation in local politics
14. Making violent political threats
15. Lobbying politicians
16. Expressing politically extreme views
17. Exercising political rights
18. Employing political dirty tricks
19. Dominating through politics
20. Being apathetic
21. Activating interest in politics
22. Abstaining from participation in local politics

1. Dependence
2. Apathy
3. Underuse
4. Unused
5. Weariness
6. Lack