Participation

Question 1

Explain why people do not participate politically?

Answer 1

Voting registration forms can be complicated (especially for minority groups who have basic language skills)

People may fail to register before the deadline and be excluded from voting in the election

Question 2

Explain presidential elections

Answer 2

They tend to be fought by the two biggest political parties: Democrats and Republicans.

U.S. Citizens get 1 vote

Question 3

Explain how the Electoral College strake works in Presidential Elections

Answer 3

The USA is divided into 538 electoral colleges and you need to win 270 to be elected. Each state has a number of electoral college votes that will decide who the President will be (no. of votes = size of population)

Question 4

How can American citizens participate in politics through joining a political party?

Answer 4

Millions of Americans have joined political parties - particularly the Democrat and Republican parties.
Members only come together nationally very 4 years to choose their parties Presidential Candidate. The process of choosing a Presidential candidate is called a Primary Election.

Question 5

How can American citizens campaign for a political party?

Answer 5

To campaign for a political party you DON’T need to be a member.
To help a political party:
• Financially (Donations/Fundraisers)
• Canvassing voters door to door or by telephone
• Distributing leaflets and posters
• Holding rallies

Question 6

How can Americans join or campaign for an interest group?

Answer 6

• Participate in matches
• Participate in demonstrations
• Organise petitions, letter and media campaigns to lobby government in support of their cause.

Question 7

Give examples of interest groups

Answer 7

NRA
Fight for 15
Emily’s List

Question 8

How do people participate in politics in the USA

Answer 8

Voting
Joining/ campaigning for a political party
Standing as a candidate in an election
Joining or campaigning for an interest group
Canvassing