CHAP 8 Political Participation and Voting

What is political participation?

A wide range of activities beyond just voting, including attending events, contributing money, and contacting officials.

List some forms of political participation.

Attending campaign events, contributing money, contacting elected officials, volunteering, participating in protests, and expressing views on social media.

How has digital politics expanded participation?

Through online fundraising, voter mobilization, and the use of social media for campaigning.

What percentage of US adults consider voting essential to being a good member of society?

Nearly 70%.

What is the top trait of a good citizen according to 75% of Americans?

Voting.

What demographic factors influence voter turnout?

Age, education, affluence, and partisanship.

How does socioeconomic status correlate with political participation?

Higher socioeconomic status (income, education, occupational status) correlates with higher participation.

What are safe states in the context of elections?

States with predictable outcomes, such as California and New York, which focus attention on battleground states.

How does voter turnout in midterm elections compare to presidential elections?

Midterm elections typically have turnout that is 20 percentage points lower than presidential elections.

What is a significant factor in determining the outcome of presidential elections?

Small vote shifts in battleground states can decide the outcome.

What impact do information networks and digital platforms have on political participation?

They increase political participation and facilitate contributions, volunteering, and discussions.

How do state electoral laws affect voting?

States control voter eligibility and practices, leading to variations in participation across the country.

What is compulsory voting and its effect on turnout?

A system where voting is mandatory, leading to higher turnout, as seen in Australia with 81% turnout.

What are some policies that could boost voter turnout in the US?

Compulsory voting, weekend or holiday voting, and automatic registration.

What are some key questions regarding voter turnout in the US?

Reasons for lower turnout compared to other countries and the influence of political environment and state laws.

What demographic patterns are observed in political participation?

Participation varies by education, employment status, ethnic and racial groups, and religious identification.

What ongoing conflicts are tied to political participation?

Divisive conflicts related to religious beliefs, such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and the trend toward secularism among youth.