Political Participation

What is popular sovereignty?

Rule of the people.

How does higher voter turnout affect the legitimacy of public policymaking?

increases the legitimacy of the public policymaking process.

What is a conventional form of political participation?

An activity that occurs within the political system, upholding political institutions and democratic principles.

Give examples of conventional political participation.

Writing letters to political representatives, donating money to political candidates, attending campaign rallies.

What are unconventional forms of political participation?

Forms of participation that include violence, bribery, and extortion.

What is the paradox of voting?

The cost-benefit calculation that people process before voting.

What did the XXIV Amendment outlaw?

Poll taxes.

What must individuals do when they move to a different state in relation to voting?

They must re-register to vote.

Why do many individuals abstain from voting?

They claim they are not fully informed about the candidates and measures on the ballot.

What is the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 also known as?

The Motor Voter Law.

What did the Help America Vote Act of 2002 aim to address?

To replace outdated voting technology that confused voters.

What options do some states provide to reduce wait times at polls?

Early voting or voting by mail.

What is a civic duty in the context of voting?

Voting allows individuals to feel as if they have performed a civic duty.

What is the purpose of voting in the American political system?

It allows the public to understand and serve their purpose within the system.

What are low-cost activities related to political participation?

Writing letters, calling, texting, or emailing political representatives.

What costs are often incurred when attending political meetings?

Transportation and temporal costs.

What discourages participation for many in exclusive political groups?

The requirement to spend large sums of money.

What does voter turnout refer to?

The proportion of eligible voters who vote in an election.

How have voter turnout rates fluctuated over the 20th century?

Turnout rates declined as political parties lost oversight of the electoral process.

What contributed to increased voter turnout in recent elections?

Increased voter mobilization efforts.

What challenges do some social groups face in voting today?

Historical barriers and costs associated with voting.

What was the historical context of suffrage in the United States?

Suffrage was restricted and many social groups experienced disenfranchisement.

How does socioeconomic status influence political participation?

Higher socioeconomic status is associated with increased political participation.

What are the components that define socioeconomic status?

Annual income, occupation, and education level.

How does education correlate with political participation?

Highly educated individuals are more likely to vote and participate in politics.

How do voting rates compare between young and older individuals?

Young people vote at lower rates than their older counterparts.

What racial group in the U.S. has the highest voter turnout rates?

Black Americans.

Which social demographic has the lowest rates of voter turnout?

The Hispanic/Latino population.

What region in the U.S. shows the lowest voter turnout?

The South.

How do men and women compare in terms of voter turnout rates today?

Men and women turnout at about the same rate now.

How does the United States compare to other countries in terms of voter turnout?

The U.S. turnout is lower than in many other countries.

What is a reason some scholars give for lower voter turnout in the U.S.?

The shift to candidate-centered elections.

What do voters in the U.S. engage in more frequently than those in other countries?

Political donations and campaign activity.