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America is proud of its democratic values: accountable leaders, honest voting and a free press. But recently Americans have begun to ask Whose Democracy Is It?

For More Information Visit the Whose Democracy Is It? national Web site Campaign 2004 How much do you know? INS Quiz How much do you know about democracy, the United States and its system of government? Take the citizenship test used by the INS and see what you know...and don't know. Advanced Citizenship Quiz Are you a history buff? The quiz is simple if you paid attention in high school. But watch out for the tricky questions. Events The Radical Center Ted Halstead, spoke on The Radical Center and America’s Democracy at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. (Listen) Media and Democracy Brooke Gladstone on MPR's Midmorning. (Listen) Discussing Democracy What is Democracy? How do you participate in democracy? Join these and other discussions with Minnesotan citizens.

Cyber democracy and civic discourse
by Erin Galbally
The rise of the Internet and online community forums gave some people hope of luring increasingly disconnected public back into the political process.

The best office money can buy
by Tom Scheck
"Self-financed" candidates say campaigning with their own money makes them more independent of special interests. But critics worry the trend will make political campaigns more expensive and put public office out of reach for average Americans.

Predatory lending: A study in the "business" of democracy
by Jeff Horwich
The word "business" does not show up in most of our basic ideas about American democracy. But few would deny business interests have come to play a big role in the democratic system.

The rise and fall of third parties
by Michael Khoo
Minnesota has provided arguably the most fertile ground for third-party candidates in recent years. But despite that slim fingerhold, third-party and independent candidates struggle for their infrequent victories.

So you want to be a politician
by Laura McCallum
For every candidate who wins an election, there is another who experiences the agony of defeat. Many of them are newcomers to the world of politics, who get an eye-opening look at the inside of a campaign, from door knocking to raising money.

Money talks at the Capitol
by Laura McCallum
Money flowing into Minnesota's political system has increased dramatically in recent years. Critics say big money dominates debate at the Capitol, while others say the average citizen still has a powerful voice. How does money factor into the debate over a particular bill?

Immigrants facing Immigration Court find little solace in Constitution
by Mary Losure
The U.S. Constitution guarantees certain rights to all Americans. It says you can't be be deprived of your liberty without due process of law, for example. But under a legal doctrine that goes back more than 100 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has consistantly ruled that constitutional rights don't neccessarily apply to non-citizens.

Standing for something
by Mark Steil
The story of one person fighting for a cause is classic Americana: grassroots democracy at its best. Julie Jansen lived something like that when she took on a large hog company near her central Minnesota home.

Is democracy 'cool' to kids?
by Marisa Helms
Voter turnout among 18 to 24-year-olds is declining faster than for voters over 25. Through innovative civic programs, political experts say, it may be possible to turn back the trend of low voter turnout by empowering young people at an early age.

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Putting the "Riot" back in patriotism Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ) Commentator Gwen Macsai takes a look at the notion of patriotism and the feelings it evokes: loyalty, respect and devotion, apathy, skepticism, and desertion. She comes to the conclusion that it's a lot like marriage.

Armchair Citizens KERA - Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Commentator James Mardis's experiences teaching young people about citizenship illustrate how America has become a society of reactionaries rather than citizens who create solutions.

Money and politics KERA - Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas Commentator Chip Pitts notes that money in politics undermines the democratic process and recommends some improvements.

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