3. Stay informed on the issues

Get to know the issues that your elected officials at their respective levels of government are facing. That means you must follow the news. In this Information Age, there is no excuse for being ignorant. For federal-level issues, you can listen to the radio during your commute to and from work, watch TV at night, read one of the major dailies each morning or at lunch, or read through any number of news websites. For state and local matters, you have your local papers, local radio stations, and plenty of information accessible over the Internet. Don't be an ignorant voter that's easily manipulated by bumper stickers and sound bytes. Be informed.

4. Stay in touch with your elected officials on the issues

Write your officials, not just with complaints or requests. But compliment them when they vote the way you think they should. Look for opportunities to speak at public hearings. It's easy to get a chance to address your local School Board or county Board of Supervisors or Commissioners. It's easier than you think to do the same at the state level.

5. Periodically read the Declaration of Independence (especially the first paragraphs) along with other writings that inspire you and fuel your philosophy on life.

You should always remember why you believe in what you believe. As a citizen of the United States, you should know why we have a country to begin with. Read the document that started it all - the Declaration of Independence. Get in touch with how sacred the Founding Fathers considered the idea of popular consent and self-government. In addition, read books on faith and philosophy - things that help explain the world we're in. If you're a Christian, read the Bible daily. Always get to the foundation of what you believe and why. That will fuel your passion and make your a leader of purpose and conviction.

6. Master the framework of your government.