US Government: Chapter 7 Political Participation and Voter Behavior

Political Participation Voting is the most common form of participation. Less than half of American voters (electorate) will vote during an general election

Forms of Participation Forms many include: Voting Wearing a button Worked for candidate Call and complained Gave money

Civics- The branch of political science dealing with citizens and their activities Citizen- a person who has certain rights and responsibilities as a member of a nation and who may vote

People who regularly participate in politics are called activists Campaign for candidate Publically protest

Political socialization The process by which people develop their political identity and their attitudes tow government, leaders, and issues

Who participates and why Reason people participate Education People with more education participate more Age Over age 35 are more likely to participate Racial and Ethnic Group Whites participate more than any other group

Voting History 1789-1829 1829-1837 1861-1870 After 1920 1971 White male land holders 1829-1837 White male, no property requirement 1861-1870 13 amendment allowed African American men to vote States regulated Sates used poll taxes, grandfather clauses and literacy test to keep Blacks from voting After 1920 Women given right to vote 1971 18- 21 year olds given right to vote

Voter Eligibility Citizenship Residency Registration Must be a citizen of US and state Residency Depending on state, must be residence 10-30 days Registration Register to vote in district you live Prevent voter fraud Not on list, you can not vote

Voter Turnout

Why low voter turnout? 1.Poloitical Efficacy 2. Registration Process People feel that “one vote” really don’t make difference West US feels the vote is already settled 2. Registration Process Registered votes turnout, not registered stay home Absentee ballot- allowed to vote at home and in advance of election day. Motor-voter bill- register to vote as you apply for driver license

Other barriers to voting include: Weekday voting Weak party efforts In some countries, political parties provide transportation and food to get people out Voter satisfaction IF people are happy with current government, why vote to change it

Factors influencing voting Candidates appeal Voters just “like” a candidate or identify with some other reason Party identification Vote due to loyalty to a particular political Issues they identify with Economic discontent War Health care taxes