I do not think that political participation is declining, but rather that it is increasing, but I have no studies or reports on this. As for opportunities to participate in politics, there are opportunities on the local, state, and national levels. You do not have to be a member of a political party to participate. Meetings of officials in your city or town, with very rare exception are open to anyone who wants to attend and you do not need an invitation, you can just walk in sit down and listen, and perhaps participate if they are taking public comment. Public notices of meeting are found at the town hall or city hall with 2 or 3 day notice before the meeting. Most people do not or cannot check on this information. This presents an obstacle to public participation. Most cities and towns have their own website, which will give you more information about the government structure where you live. Most states have Open Meeting Laws.

Here are some websites that may interest you:

http://www.statelocalgov.net

http://www.house.gov

http://www.senate.gov

http://www.regulations.gov

http://www.whitehouse.gov

http://www.usa.gov

The sites above have provision for opportunity for comment by the public---people just like you!

Here are some websites regarding the question of political participation and whether or not it is declining:

http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2012/11/l...

http://www.ushistory.org/gov/4asp

CHAPTER FIVE - Copy: Welcome to Princeton Regional Schools

http://www.phs.prs.k12.nj.us.ewood/amerg...

Public Political Participation in the United States 3d Edition

http://www.scribd.com/doc/39835257/Polit... United-States-3rd-Edition

For my English essay I have to write an 8-10 page persuasion essay. I chose to persuade my audience to participate more in politics. Here is an outline on what I will write: about the decline of political participation, advantages and disadvantages of political participation, and some different ways in which citizens can participate. So, this is just my outline for right now, but I don't think it is enough. Any ideas? Also, can someone direct me to source which explains why political participation is declining because I spent a lot of time researching and didn't find a good enough article on it.

Thanks.