1. US Government: Chapter 7
Political Participation and Voter Behavior

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

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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. Voting History 1789-1829 1829-1837 1861-1870 After 1920 1971
White male land holders
White male, no property requirement
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
year olds given right to vote

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

10. Voter Turnout

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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