ABSTRACT
Citizens give guidance to their governments—national, state, and local—on everything from issues to personnel. By expressing their opinions and policy preferences, individuals and the groups that represent them help ensure that ours remains a government of, by, and for the people. The press has worked hard to solidify its image as "a new intermediary in the American political system," linking the public and government. Americans' choices of how to get involved also vary. For some, it is calling an elected official's office or a local radio or TV talk show to express an opinion. Participation in groups that focus on aging and retirement make older Americans among the best organized of all US citizens. By most accounts, only one out of a hundred Americans ever runs for elective office, This form of political participation is the most demanding, regardless of whether one's decision to run is purely individual or prompted by a person's political party or interest group.
