in 4-5 sentences, describe how citizens stay informed today compared to how many they did when the united states started and explain why it is important to be an informed citizen.

Today, citizens primarily stay informed through various digital platforms such as news websites, social media, and mobile applications. In contrast, when the United States started, citizens relied on word-of-mouth, newspapers, pamphlets, and town hall meetings for information. It is important to be an informed citizen because it enables individuals to make well-informed decisions, participate effectively in democratic processes, understand societal issues, and hold the government accountable for their actions. Being informed helps citizens contribute to the overall progress and success of a nation.