1. Chapter 7 Political Participation And Voting

2.  Suffrage: the political science term referring to the right to vote  Voting is a form of political participation Voting

3.  At beginning of our country, not all could vote. Women’s suffrage and the Voting Rights Act of 1964 would ensure all citizens the right.  19 th Amendment to Constitution (1920): women’s right to Vote Voting

4.  At beginning of our country, not all could vote.  15 th Amendment to Constitution (1870): provided specifically that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged on the basis of race, ethnicity, etc. Voting

5.  In reality, most minorities could not vote until the Voters Rights Act of 1965 was passed.  Jim Crow laws, Literacy tests, etc. Voting

6.  Not mandated in the United States resulting in low turnout (some countries do require citizens to vote)  See chart on Page 229 of textbook Voter Turnout

7.  Voter turnout refers to the proportion of adult citizens who actually vote in a given election.  Voter turnout is greater in Presidential election years. Voter Turnout

8.  Registration began in 1900  Motor Voter Law: was signed into effect by United States President Clinton in 1993. This act required state governments to make the voter registration process easier by providing uniform registration services through drivers' license registration centers, disability centers, schools, libraries, and mail-in registration.  Must be registered before you can vote Registration

9.  Age  Socio-economic status  Education Why Some Vote & Others Don’t

10.  Frequency of elections and voter fatigue (US holds more elections than any other nation)  Apathy  Alienation  Two party system Why Vote?

11.  Vote  Campaign Support  Lobbying  Letter Writing Ways to Participate in Politics

12.  Community Volunteering and Support  Following the news media  Surfing and reading the web  Social movements  Protest  Utilization of social capital Ways to Participate