ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that political participation targeting the political system is generally rather stable and low during non-election times, especially for Generation Z, the youngest generation. Political news exposure has a positive effect on this type of political participation, again especially for Generation Z. The chapter examines whether and how citizens’ participation in activities targeting the political system varies across generations and over time and maps out how frequently citizens participate in these types of activities and whether this changes over time. Citizens engage in activities targeting the political system in various ways, such as signing petitions, making donations, contacting politicians, and attending or inviting others to demonstrations. One reason why citizens show different levels of activity when addressing the political system may be the political information they have gained in the news media. The positive effect of political news consumption is strongest for the youngest generation, Generation Z, and less so for the other four generations.
