I think my political views were birthed at the municipal level? It's less partisan and soundbitey, and it's easier to understand the cause and effect of decistion-making. These days I worry that with the death of local media, people are no longer engaged in the local scene, and corruption at that level of government will grow as a result.

But it's a pretty good feeling when something you advocate for is actually implemented and effects positive change to your community, however minor that might be. It doesn't even require a whole lot of effort. You can fill out an online questionnaire regarding a proposed development in your hood for a start.

But at the municipal level, it's pretty easy to see what works and what doesn't. You face it every day. And your views on larger scale issues can develop from there, armed with a well-honed BS-detector. This is not to say you don't need to study political philosophies and the issues of the day that affect state/national/international politics, but you seem to be doing that already.