Chapter 8: Political Participation

Objectives:

1. Discuss how American voter turnout compares to other advanced industrialized democracies.

   1. American voter turnout has been historically low compared to other advanced industrialized democracies, such as those in Europe. This is largely due to the fact that the registration burden falls on the individual in the United States, while in many European countries the government automatically registers citizens to vote. As a result, a majority of non-registered voters will not vote. Despite the lower turnout rates, the meaning of the vote for Americans is different than for other countries because the United States elects far more public elected officials than any other country. To increase voter turnout, campaigns have begun to invest in get-out-the-vote campaigns, which have been shown to increase participation. The most effective GOTV message is “social pressure” where subjects are told that whether they vote or not is public record, and after the election their neighbors will be notified whether or not they voted. Voting is not the only way to participate in politics. Interest groups, donating, and supporting social movements are all viable ways to engage in the political process. By these measures, Americans actually participate more in politics than European countries do. Thus, while American voter turnout may be lower than other industrialized democracies, the United States still has high levels of political engagement.

2. Describe the historical expansion of suffrage in America and how this affected voter participation

   1. The expansion of suffrage in America has been a long journey that has affected the way we vote and participate in the electoral process. Initially, states were given the freedom to decide who could vote and for which offices, leading to a great variety of election laws from state to state. This began to change when Congress passed laws and amendments to the Constitution, such as the 15th Amendment which outlawed denying voting rights based on race, the 17th Amendment which allowed for the direct election of Senators, the 19th Amendment which outlawed denying voting rights based on gender, the 23rd Amendment which allowed for the District of Columbia to vote for President, the 24th Amendment which eliminated poll taxes, and the 26th Amendment which lowered the voting age to 18. African Americans were particularly restricted from voting due to arbitrary rules, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and the grandfather clause, which were eventually outlawed. Through these changes, voter participation for African Americans increased throughout the south.

3. Outline what factors explain who participates in politics.

   1. Participation in politics is determined by numerous factors, including resources, mobilization, motivation, and experience. Resources are an important factor in determining who has the ability to engage in politics. This includes having the time, income, and civic skills necessary to be able to engage in politics. People who are mobilized by political parties, organizations, and campaigns are also more likely to participate in politics. Being motivated to participate in politics is another important factor. This includes having a desire to make a difference, feeling connected to the political process, or feeling anger towards a particular issue. Lastly, having a positive experience with government programs and services can motivate people to participate in politics. For example after social security programs started, turnout in senior citizens increased because they interacted with that specific government program.

A Close Look at Non-Voting:

• Two ways to measure voter turnout:
  • Compare percentage of voters to the voting-age population
  • Compare percentage of voters to the voting-eligible population
  • More accurate because this doesn’t include people who are not legally allowed to vote
• Americans vote at lower rates when compared to other countries
  • However, the meaning of our vote is different since we elect far more public elected officials than any other nation
  • If voter turnout rates were to rise substantially, than non registered voters must vote in greater numbers
  • In America, the burden to register falls on the individual, while in many European countries the government automatically registers you
• Campaigns have begun to invest in get-out-the-vote campaigns
  • Studies show this does increase participation
  • Most effective GOTV message is “social pressure” where subjects are told that whether they vote or not is public record, and after the election their neighbors will be notified whether or not they voted
• Voting is not the only way to participate in politics, such as joining interest groups, donating, supporting social movements
  • By these measures, Americans participate in politics more than European countries do

The Rise of the American Electorate:

• Initially, states could decide who could vote and for what offices.

  • Because of this permissiveness, early federal elections varied greatly

• Soon Congress reduced these state privileges by law and constitutional amendment

• Most important election changes had related to suffrage of women, African Americans, and 18-year olds

  • African Americans were restricted from voting due to arbitrary rules, which were eventually outlawed.
  • Literacy tests, poll taxes, and the grandfather clause targeted former slaves and Black people
  • Women didn’t turnout in votes much because of intimidation
  • The voting age used to be 21, until the Vietnam War where an argument was made that if people could get drafted at 18 they should be able to vote at 18 too.

• Parties once controlled printing and counting votes, which led to many repeat votes

  • Ended in 1890 when states adopted a government printed, uniform ballot

• In the past decade, voter ID laws have been proposed, claiming such laws are needed to prevent voter fraud.

  • Numerous studies show in person voter fraud is extremely rare.
  • Critics say many lack voter ID and would not be able to vote

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