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Political Participation

Political Participation. “One of the most consistent criticisms of Americans by those concerned with the democratic health of the nation is that we do not participate enough.” - Keeping the Republic , Barbour and Wright.

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Political Participation

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  1. Political Participation

  2. “One of the most consistent criticisms of Americans by those concerned with the democratic health of the nation is that we do not participate enough.” -Keeping the Republic, Barbour and Wright

  3. US has a lower voter turnout than most Western democracies

  4. History of Voting Rights Pre-Civil War: White males could vote, literacy tests were added in many states 1870: 15th Amendment 1890: Many southern states implement poll taxes, more literacy tests, and grandfather clauses 1913: 17th Amendment 1920: 19th Amendment 1924: Indian Citizenship Act 1961: 23rd Amendment 1964: 24th Amendment 1965: Voting Rights Act – eliminates voting barriers (literacy tests, residency requirements, and English-only ballots) and allows for federal oversight to prevent discrimination 1971: 26th Amendment 1995: Motor Voter Law

  5. Why do we have such a low voter turnout? • People not eligible to vote (felons, noncitizens) • VAP (voting age population) v. VEP (voting eligible population) • Legal obstacles • Register (deadline, residency • Number of elections (frequency leads to voter fatigue?) • National Elections held on Tuesday (a workday for most voters) • Photo ID requirements in some states

  6. Why do we have such a low voter turnout? • Changes in Attitude (vote is not important, partisanship) • Most common criterion people consider when voting for President is party identification • Voter Mobilization – politicians are not doing enough to make direct contact with people, persuading them to vote • Decrease in social connectedness • Generational changes – least effect on political attitude) • The rational NONvoter • Too many elections – much higher than Europe • Expansion of those who are eligible to vote

  7. Attempts to Increase Voter Turnout • Motor Voter Bill (National Voter Registration Act of 1993) • On the spot voter registration at government offices (licenses, welfare, etc.) • States review voter lists for accuracy • $ to help cover implementation costs • Political parties are increasing efforts at voter mobilization • States that have instituted same-day voter registration has seen a slight increase in voter turnout

  8. Who is More Likely to Vote? • Older people are more likely to vote • However, likelihood declines in the oldest populations • People with more education • Upper class • Whites

  9. The Youth Vote The 26th Amendment was passed in 1971 How did they vote in 1972 compared to other age groups?

  10. Regional Voting Patterns The South has consistently had a lower voter turnout than the rest of the US…why?

  11. Forms of Participation • Voting – most common form • More people vote in presidential election • More people vote in local elections than other forms of participation • Litigation (through the court system) • Protest • Contacting (media, public officials) • Campaign work/voter registration • Campaign contributions • Running/holding a political office • Political discussion to persuade others toward actions • Membership in a political organization

  12. Litigation • You can appeal to principle/law (as opposed to opinion • You don’t need a numerical majority (as you do in elections)

  13. Protest • Bring public attention to an issue (gain sympathy) • It’s CHEAP • Often times, there is an immediate response

  14. Contacting • Direct access to leaders • Magnify representation • Specify policy area in expression

  15. Campaign Work • Contact with potential officials • Multiply individual interest • Training ground for future work?

  16. Campaign Contributions • Access (money is power) • Multiply the force of individual preference

  17. Running/Holding Office • Direct influence • Set policy agenda

  18. Political Discussions • Bring others attention to issues

  19. Member of Political Organization • Linking with others of like interests • Magnifying effect • Least popular form of political participation

  20. Verba and Nie Researchers who studied ways in which people participate in politics…came up with 6 forms • Inactive (22%) • Activists (11%) • Voting Specialists – vote only • Campaigners – vote + involved in campaigning • Communalists – participate in nonpartisan activities • Parochial Participants – don’t vote, stay of politics…but do contact local officials about specific problems

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