1. CHAPTER 6 QUESTIONS

2. Question #1 The following dates represent stages of the expansion of the American electorate. Next to each date list what caused the expansion, and who was allowed to vote. DateWho can voteReason 1789White male property owners, approximately 7% U.S. Constitution of white males 1810Religious requirements and property requirements1 st Amendment 1870Everyone regardless of race or color15 th Amendment 1920Everyone regardless of gender19 th Amendment 1960sBlack voters (denied by Jim Crow laws)Civil Rights Act of 1965 & No poll taxes24 th Amendment 197118-20 year-olds26 th Amendment

3. Question #2 The right to vote has been broadened by the elimination of barriers based on four things, list them. Race/color Gender Financial ability (poll taxes) Age over 18.

4. Question #3 Are there any Constitutional restrictions on allowing persons younger than 18 to vote? Explain. States cannot set voting ages above 18. They can, however, set it below. Virginia allows 17 year-olds to vote in the primaries as long as they are 18 by the general election in November.

5. Question #4 List the three general qualifications for voting. Citizenship Residency Age

6. Question # 5 Can non-citizens vote in U.S. elections? Explain. The Constitution does not prohibit it, but most states do not allow it. Some states allow unauthorized immigrants to vote in local elections. Some non-citizens vote either because they mistakenly believe they’re citizens or they unlawfully claim to be citizens at their polling places.

7. Question #6 What are the two main reasons that states adopted residency requirements? To keep political machines from importing or bribing enough outsiders so as to have an effect on the outcome of local elections. To ensure that every voter has at least some time in which to become familiar with the candidates and issues in an election.

8. Question #7 How does voter registration discourage voter turnout and/or voting? Implemented in the 1900s, when we have seen voter participation decline, it presents a hurdle to voting. Some say it is meant to prevent voter fraud, others say it is an unfair obstacle to the poor and uneducated.

9. Question #8 List three groups of citizens who are generally barred from voting. Those in mental institutions Those who have been convicted of serious crimes Those who have been dishonorably discharged from the military.

10. Question #9 Explain gerrymandering. Draw a gerrymandered district. Named for MA Governor: Elbridge Gerry. District drawn to maximize representation of one party while minimizing representation of the opposing party.

11. Question #10 Briefly explain the importance of the following laws: Civil Rights Act of 1957 Established Civil Rights Commission to inquire into claims of voter discrimination Civil Rights Act of 1960 Called for the appointment of federal voting referees. They were sent to serve anywhere a federal court found voter discrimination. Civil Rights Act of 1964 Outlaws discrimination in job-related matters and prevents the use of voter registration or literacy requirements used in a discriminatory manner. Civil Rights Act of 1965 Applied to all elections held in the country (federal, state, and local). Empowered the Attorney General to challenge the constitutionality of remaining poll taxes and appoint voting examiners to serve in any of those states or counties (where less than half of the electorate had been registered or voted) and to register voters and oversee the conduct of elections in those areas.

12. Question #11 According to the text, what is an idiote? Citizens who do not vote or otherwise take part in public life.

13. Question #12 What types of elections generally have the lowest turnout? Why? Off-year or mid-term elections (there isn’t the high-profile attraction of the Presidency to draw out voters).

14. Question #13 What sociological factors (at least 6) influence voting in America? List and briefly explain how each affects voting. Income/Occupation: lower income have a larger tendency to vote Democratic. Education: College graduates tend to vote in higher percentages for Republicans. Gender: Women tend to favor Democrats by a margin of 5 to 10 percent. Religion: Protestants tend to be Republican, Catholics and Jews tend to be Democrats Geography: Democrats used to have the South, now Republicans do; Democrats tend to do well in urban areas (Northeast) while Republicans are stronger in the suburbs and rural areas. Family: Voting behavior tends to run in the family (if you are raised in a Republican family, you are more likely to vote Republican, for example)