Final answer:
Ideas about individual worth, stemming from Enlightenment thinking and the economic tumults like the Great Depression, reshaped perceptions of the role of government and politics, emphasizing individual freedoms, increased democratic engagement, and the necessity for government intervention. The growth of permanent political parties and the increasing need to shape public opinion solidified the significance of individual participation in political processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ideas about individual worth have significantly influenced how people view politics, particularly from the Enlightenment period onward. During this time, the emergence of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for social contract theory, asserting the importance of protecting individual freedoms.
This shift in thought contributed to the development of modern democratic systems and reshaped political engagement, promoting a governance approach that focused on the rights and value of the individual.
Further, the Great Depression had a profound impact on Americans' perceptions of their government's role. The economic calamity catalyzed shifts towards greater government intervention in the economy and welfare state developments. This trend has continued into the present time, reflecting an enduring sense of the government's responsibility to ensure individual wellbeing in times of hardship.
The political evolution during the Romantic period brought about by ideas of natural freedom and independence spurred revolutionary movements, challenging the legitimacy of monarchs. In the United States, the market revolution and the second party system facilitated the American populace to engage in public debate over political and economic issues, securing democratic principles and personal liberties.
In politics, the latter part of the nineteenth century saw journalism becoming embedded in shaping political views. Male suffrage and the requirement that leaders needed to cultivate public opinion to pass laws marked a significant change in how politics were conducted. These developments underscored and magnified the value of public and individual participation in politics.