Spreading the word: speaking to a group of adults is a great occasion to promote democracy and help your constituents understand that it's often the arguing and fighting that makes the process work.

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As a legislator, you receive many invitations to speak to civic and community groups and other gatherings. These occasions are ideal opportunities to raise awareness about our system of government and promote a positive image of the legislative institution. Here are some talking points to help you.

PUTTING DEMOCRACY IN PERSPECTIVE

* In 1776, courageous people in the colonies of North America formed a new government in the belief that ordinary people were born with the right to live in freedom. They wanted a democracy where people could participate. Today we recognize it as the most successful form of government ever developed.

* The system those colonists developed called for the election of individuals to represent our views at local, state and national levels of government. In return for the freedom to live our lives the way we wish, we entrust those officials to learn about the important issues and develop policy and laws that will improve our nation. Our representative democracy--also known as a republic--has endured remarkably for more than 225 years.

* Our system of government is recognized around the world for the freedom that it gives our people. However, today's Americans--especially young people--are cynical about our democratic institutions. A poll of 18- to 24-year-olds by the National Association of Secretaries of State showed that more than 50 percent say, "You can't trust politicians because they are dishonest." Two-thirds of young people said, "My generation's voice is important, but no one is listening." Nine out of 10 agreed with the statement: "A few big interests run the government."

This distrust of public officials and the process has a serious consequence. People have stopped participating. They no longer speak up, and many have stopped voting. Eighty-five percent of all ages say, "Elected officials would help more if they stopped talking and took action on problems."

* Representative democracy is not without flaws, but it works better than any alternative. Our system of government is far from perfect. Only through everyone's work can we take the steps needed to preserve the freedoms we currently enjoy and to pass them on to future generations.

POINTS YOU CAN MAKE

1.

Legislators care: They pay close attention to their constituents' views because legislators are products of their communities and, more often than not, think like their constituents. They want to work hard for their districts, and most want to be re-elected to office. Everybody's opinion is invited and welcome. Register and vote. Contact your legislator. Encourage others to do so, as well.

2.

You have a voice: People often stop themselves from speaking about issues that matter to them because they think no one will listen or care. If something is important to you, however, it is probably important to other people. By raising your voice, you will find others who share your views. Your school board, city council, state legislators and members of Congress care intensely about what you think. That's their job. Your ideas count. Your voice counts. Your ideas are welcome, and they matter. For our representative democracy to succeed--while preserving our personal freedoms--we must each participate as fully as we can. Educate yourself about what your legislature is doing and then join with groups that share your interests.

3.

Americans don't agree on most issues: When we surf the Web, watch TV, listen to radio or read newspapers, all we seem to hear is how our public officials are arguing and not getting anything done. People find it hard to understand why elected representatives can't agree on something that, to us, seems to be an obvious choice.

If you think that legislators should agree with each other more often, try keeping a record of how many times your family members disagree on simple issues--like what to eat for dinner, where to go on vacation or what movie to rent. The same is true for bigger issues: People in our diverse world do not agree on most issues, except at a very general level. Disagreement at the state capitol or in Washington, D.C., is a reflection of disagreement in our society.

4.

You are a lobbyist: When people hear the word "lobbyist," they think of someone walking up and down the legislative hallways representing rich corporations. While it is true that money influences the system, nearly every public official will tell you that it is individual voters, their constituents, who have the most influence on the decision-making process.

Voters become even more powerful when they join with others who have similar concerns. You can probably think of several organizations that you or your family belong to or identify with that support your ideas with our state legislature. There are thousands of groups representing almost every "special interest" imaginable. Every issue that comes before a legislature is discussed on its merits by people representing many different points of view.

5.

Compromise is not giving in: The democratic process involves a lot of argument as legislators attempt to find common ground among the differing values and interests of the many voters they represent. Conflict is a natural part of a democracy because differences of opinion exist between the needs and views of different groups, districts, parties and legislative houses, as well as different branches of government. Sometimes these differences are hotly debated for long periods, but most are settled through compromise.

Deliberation, negotiation and compromise are essential for arriving at common ground that represents the interests of as many people as possible. That is what representative democracy is all about.

THE MESSAGE

[check] Legislators care.

[check] You have a voice.

[check] Your ideas count.

[check] Americans don't agree on most issues.

[check] You are a lobbyist.

[check] Compromise is not giving in.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

"Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free men."

ADLAI STEVENSON

"As citizens of this democracy, you are the rulers and the ruled, the lawgivers and the lawabiding, the beginning and the end."

LOUIS BRANDEIS 

"The only title in our democracy superior to that of president is the title of citizen."

ANDREW JOHNSON

"The life of a republic lies certainly in the energy, virtue, and intelligence of its citizens."

Karl Kurtz heads NCSL's Trust for Representative Democracy.