Attend a ‘public meeting’ of an elected or representative government body. You may also try to see if you can attend a court hearing that would be open to the public for viewing during this semester. This could be at the United States or federal level, California state level or at a local county or city level within the State of California. For this semester this activity will need to be virtual as the rules in California and San Francisco for social distancing prohibit large gatherings. Your best choice is to select a legislative or commission meeting at the state or local level. The Federal level will offer less opportunity for the public to directly participate in ways that you should respond to in your paper. You may also choose to attend a City College Board of Trustees meeting during this semester as well. Address all of the following in your paper:
Descriptive evaluation:
Describe the meeting or activity that you attended.
What did you see and hear?
Did you participate?
If yes, what did you do or say?
If not, why did you choose to not participate and would you
Personal reflection:
What was your reaction to the meeting/activity?
How did the event apply to you?
Analytical evaluation:
Evaluate whether the meeting/activity that you attended exemplified ‘good governance.’? Why or why not?
In other words, did the manner in which the event was conducted exemplify democratic values?
Consider in your evaluation whether or not your event supported or subverted American democracy. There are many definitions of good governance and debate over what it entails. Overall, this concept relates to how public affairs are conducted. Good governance is characterized by participation, transparency, accountability, rule of law, effectiveness, and equity.
Sample Solution