Chapter 7Political Participation

And Voting

Suffrage: the political science term referring to the right to vote

Voting is a form of political participation

Voting

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.

19th Amendment to Constitution (1920): women’s right to Vote

Voting

At beginning of our country, not all could vote.

15th 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

In reality, most minorities could not vote until the Voters Rights Act of 1965 was passed.

Jim Crow laws, Literacy tests, etc.

Voting

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

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

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

AgeSocio-economic statusEducation

Why Some Vote & Others Don’t

Frequency of elections and voter fatigue (US holds more elections than any other nation)

ApathyAlienationTwo party system

Why Vote?

Vote Campaign Support Lobbying Letter Writing

Ways to Participate in Politics

Community Volunteering and Support Following the news media Surfing and reading the web Social movements Protest Utilization of social capital

Ways to Participate