Community Education at the Interface of Political Education and Political Action

The study shows the importance of political education for the functioning and maintenance of democracy. In addition to the actions of parties, state organs and the media, numerous activities can be identified which are controlled from below and in which there is a potential for social learning. As self-directed initiatives from below - bottom-up movements - they largely correspond to the conceptual premises of community education. Various initiatives are presented which generate a thematic input into the political system, articulate interests and make demands. This sometimes results in political decisions in the sense of the initiators or at least provides an impulse in a certain direction. On the other hand, secondary effects can also result: Newly acquired skills such as organising and communicating, learning effects about the functioning of politics, a stronger identification with the basic democratic order and the possibilities offered by such a legal system.