The Civic Digests Frequently Asked Questions

Engage in Your Community

Discover the importance of civic engagement and how every individual's participation strengthens our democracy.

What is the Difference Between Governing and Ruling?

What is Governing?

Definition: Governing refers to the administration and management of public affairs through established laws, institutions, and policies to ensure the welfare of a community or nation.
Public Accountability: Leaders who govern are accountable to the people, usually through democratic systems, elections, or public oversight, which ensures checks and balances.
Law-Based Decision-Making: Governing operates within a legal framework, where decisions must adhere to constitutional laws and legislative processes../li>
Consensus-Oriented: Governing typically involves collaboration, consultation, and negotiation with various stakeholders, such as legislators, citizens, and interest groups.
Transparency: A government is expected to operate transparently, providing clear information about decisions, spending, and policies to the public.
Citizen Involvement: Governance encourages citizen participation through voting, public consultations, and civic engagement, ensuring that the public's voice is part of the decision-making process.
Checks and Balances: Governing systems have mechanisms like courts, legislatures, and watchdog organizations to prevent abuses of power.
Focus on Public Service: The purpose of governing is to serve the public interest, promote social justice, and provide services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

What is Ruling?

Definition: Ruling refers to exercising control over a population or territory, often in a centralized and authoritarian manner, with a focus on maintaining power.
Centralized Power: Ruling often concentrates authority in one individual or a small group, with little to no distribution of power or checks from other institutions.
Decrees and Commands: Rulers often issue direct orders, relying on their personal authority rather than laws or democratic processes to make decisions.
Authoritarian Approach: Ruling tends to limit citizen participation, with decisions being made by a single leader or an elite group without input from the public.
Limited Transparency: Rulers may not be required to disclose their decision-making processes, policies, or expenditures to the public, resulting in limited transparency.
Coercion and Force: Ruling often relies on the use of force, coercion, or fear to maintain control and obedience among the population.
No Accountability: In a ruling system, the ruler may not be accountable to any legal or electoral process, making it difficult for citizens to challenge or remove them from power.
Focus on Power Retention: The primary goal of ruling is often to maintain control and retain power, sometimes at the expense of public welfare or legal norms.

8 Reasons ‐ Why Citizenship in The Community is Important

Reason 1:

Fosters Community Engagement

Reveal Answer

Active citizenship encourages individuals to participate in their communities through volunteering, attending town hall meetings, or participating in local projects. This engagement is crucial for addressing local needs and challenges, as it harnesses the collective energy and resources of the community members./p>

Reason 2:

Enhances Democratic Processes

Reveal Answer

Citizenship in the community is essential for the functioning of democracy. It ensures that citizens are informed about local issues and governmental policies, enabling them to vote intelligently, engage in meaningful dialogue with elected officials, and participate in decision-making processes.

Reason 3:

Promotes Social Cohesion

Reveal Answer

By participating in community activities and civic duties, individuals feel more connected to their community. This sense of belonging can lead to stronger social bonds, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote social cohesion. A cohesive community is better equipped to support its members and work together towards common goals.

Reason 4:

Encourages Civic Responsibility

Reveal Answer

Understanding the importance of one's role within a community fosters a sense of responsibility towards others. This includes not only rights but also responsibilities such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and looking out for neighbors. Civic responsibility ensures that community members contribute to the welfare and improvement of their community.

Reason 5:

Empowers People

Reveal Answer

Active citizenship empowers People by giving them the tools and opportunities to effect change within their communities. This empowerment can lead to more innovative solutions to local problems, as diverse perspectives and skills are brought to the table.

Reason 6:

Educates the Population

Reveal Answer

Citizenship in the community serves as an ongoing educational experience, teaching individuals about local governance, social issues, and the importance of civic engagement. This education is crucial for developing informed citizens who are capable of making decisions that benefit both themselves and their communities.

Reason 7:

Promotes Equity and Inclusion

Reveal Answer

Engaging all community members in the civic process helps to ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered. This inclusivity is essential for addressing inequalities and ensuring that community policies and initiatives reflect the needs and desires of all its members, not just a select few.

Reason 8:

Local Development and Sustainability

Reveal Answer

Active and engaged citizens are more likely to support local businesses, participate in environmental sustainability efforts, and contribute to the economic and social development of their communities. This local focus helps to create sustainable and self-reliant communities that are prepared for future challenges.

Why Sustainability and Resource Management are Important

The world population is projected to reach 10 billion by the year 2057

Just 33 Years From Now

Did You Know?

Most U.S. cities' supply chains hold just a 3‐day food supply‐leaving little room for error.
Most Americans Ignored the Pandemic's Wake-Up Call on Supply Chain Fragility.
America's relentless drive to consume fuels a never‐ending cycle of excess and scarcity.
Millions of Americans, from the homeless to retirees, could benefit from tiny homes, offering affordable, sustainable housing solutions amidst widespread shortages.

Projected Decline in Farmable Land

What are the main causes of declining farmable land?

As of 2024, farmable land is declining primarily due to climate change, urbanization, deforestation, and soil degradation. Climate change leads to desertification and drought, urban expansion consumes fertile land, and unsustainable agricultural practices degrade soil quality.

How much arable land is lost annually?

The United Nations estimates that around 12 million hectares of arable land are lost each year due to desertification and drought alone. That's approximately 29.65 million acres or roughy the size of these countires :

Honduras ‐ about 11.25 million hectares (27.8 million acres).
Iceland ‐ about 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres).
Cuba ‐about 10.9 million hectares (27 million acres).
South Korea ‐ about 10 million hectares (24.7 million acres).

What role urbanization plays in land loss?

Urbanization consumes fertile land for cities and infrastructure development. The Food and Agriculture Organization notes that this trend is accelerating, leading to a significant loss of agricultural land.

What percentage of global soil is currently degraded?

Over 33% of the Earth's soil is currently degraded, and this could rise to 90% by 2050 if no changes are made to land management practices.

How much farmable land could be lost by 2050?

By 2050, it is estimated that up to 20% of farmable land could be lost due to environmental degradation, urban expansion, and poor resource management.