Political Participation And Voting

Political Participation “activities of citizens that attempt to influence the structure of government, the selection of government officials, or the policies of government” 2 Types: A) Conventional Participation B) Unconventional Participation

Conventional Participation A good test of a democracy is whether or not citizens can influence policies via conventional means. How? A) Meeting with public officials B) Sponsoring referenda or initiatives C) Supporting candidates- List How D) Voting

2 Categories of conventional political behavior 1) Supportive Behavior- action that expresses allegiance to county and government. A) Pledge of Allegiance B) Holiday parades C) Veteran’s Day Ceremonies D) Working at a polling place Usually these require little initiative on the part of the ctizen

2) Influencing Behavior- attempts to modify or reverse government policy to serve political interests A) Particular Benefits- For themselves- ex- voting against school budgets when you have no kids

Broad Policy Objectives- activities influencing the selection of public officials and policy. Low Initiative- register to vote, wear a T-Shirt, put a bumper sticker on your car. High Initiative- Run for office, attending meetings, handing out literature, making phone calls Also Class Action Lawsuits- EX- Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Unconventional Participation Behavior that challenges or defies established institutions or the dominant culture EX- Occupy Wall Street Support for unconventional participation is stable unless the activities disrupt the daily lives of others EX- 1968 Dem. National Convention- “Police riot” most viewers supported the police not the protesters

How effective is it? It can be very effective. EX- Anti-abortion protesters have effectively eliminated abortions in some rural states Also- Civil Rights in the 1950s and 1960s. Direct Action- assembling crowds to confront businesses and government to demand a hearing/change People engaged in these behaviors tend to have a strong sense of political efficacy and belief they can affect political decisions.

Of all 5 indicators of electoral participation, only voting decreased from 1952 -2000 WHY? Socioeconomic Explanation- More education, higher income and higher status jobs tend to lead to more participation

Voted in election- 93%, 82%, 73%, 51% Attend political meetings 14%, 10%, 5%, 2% Discuss politics at home 85%, 83%, 73%, 62%

Why has voter turnout declined? This despite higher levels of education. (1980-2004 mid 50s turnout. 2008 61%) Possible reasons: 1) Voters feel gov’t is no longer responsive to their needs 2) lack of identification with a political party 3) partly explained by low turnout among 18-25 year old group since 1972

Why is US turnout lower than other democracies? 1) Differences in voting laws and other machinery. 2) Burden of registration is on the government not the voter. In the US it is a 2-step process