Know how your representatives stand on major national or state issues.
Know the function of a fuse box and the appearance of a tripped circuit breaker.
Be able to defend your arguments in a rational way. Otherwise, all you have is an opinion.
Be able to suffer wearing a necktie or slightly high heels for an entire evening without complaint or early removal.
The squeaky wheel may get the most oil, but it's also the first to be replaced.
Know about the appeals process, especially in the case of the most serious crimes.