Chapter 8: Political Participation Flashcards
The various activities that citizens employ in effort to influence policy making and the selection of leaders
Political Participation
Various ways to participate in the US
Voting, Wearing a Button, Donating, Attending Political Meetings/Rallies, Volunteering, Petitions
Apathy on election day
Voter Turnout
Percentage of voters that show up to locale elections
50%
Percentage of voters that show up to presidential elections
70-80%
The ability to register to vote while getting your driver’s license at the DMV
Motor Voter Law of 1993
What were the 3 effects of the Motor Voter Law
- Increased Registration
- Bigger 2 party balance
- Increase in Independents
People are tired of voting and the ballot list is long
Ballot Fatigue
When were property restrictions outlawed
1830’s
What did the rise of american electorate lead to
Universal Male Suffrage
African Americans have the right to vote
15th amendment
Direct election of senators
17th amendment
Women have the right to vote
19th amendment
Voting for DC electors
23rd amendment
18 year olds have the right to vote
26th amendment
Used to keep people from voting (as well as jim crow laws)
Southern Strategies
Suspended the literacy test and stop criminal penalties for voting restrictions
1965 Voting Rights Act
What are the 2 theories of voter turnout
- Lessening popular interest and decreasing party mobilization
- More honest voting ballot counts
All US residents 18 or older
Voting Age Population
Excludes US residents not allowed to cast a ballot
Voting Eligible Population
Percentage of VAP
53.6%
Percentage of VEP
58.2%
