Why is it important that Americans understand they can influence the government?

The main reason Americans need to know they can influence the government is because in a very real sense Americans are the government. The preamble of the Constitution opens with the statement, "We the People of the United States...." Because the United States government is a constitutional democracy, created "of, by, and for the people," Americans have an inherent right to actively participate in their government. In fact, this clause regards "the people"—that is, you and I—as superior to any one ruler or governmental system. Additionally, the democratic form of government assumes that people are politically equal, and as equal persons we should all participate in the decision-making process.

reference: page 5,The Handy Politics Answer Book by Gina Misiroglu