Chapter 6: Wilson AP Government and Politics Consider: Why do YOU think people don’t vote?

 The Constitution: Fed not responsible for elections…  Just establish date and ensure House members popularly elected But this leaves a lot open; statewide, staggered terms, etc.  States could determine who was eligible to vote What problem arose under this system?

 The 15 th - Guaranteed the right to vote to “all persons”  Supreme Court – “Vote could be denied, but denial can’t be based on race”…  What did some state governments do in order to disenfranchise African-Americans after its passage?  Not until passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 does African-American participation in elections become widespread and fair  The 19 th - Gave all women the right to vote  Prior to this, some states had extended the right to vote to women. Did dramatic change result from the influx of women voters into the electorate?  Why not?  The 26 th - Extended the right to vote to 18 year-olds.  Was their impact dramatic?

 Reasons for decline after 1890 Decline in interest, weakening parties Voter fraud before Australian ballot  How do voter registration procedures impact turnout?  Measuring voter turnout VAP – all persons old enough VEP – of those persons, only those actually eligible

 “It’s the economy, stupid.” Voters concern with issues, including jobs and debt Percent who followed this story most closely… News Story% Economy 23 Health care reform 18 Situation in Afghanistan 13 Don't ask, don't tell debate 6 Congressional elections 6 Drug violence in Mexico 5

 **Presidential election  Referendum on Obama’s first term  Republican motives - Anybody but Obama?