Voting and Political Participation (17) - American Government
When does balancing the ticket become readily apparent?
During the vetting process of any potential vice-president running mate of either party.
What events may have had negative effects on people's political socialization in the 60s and 70s?
Events ranging from the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal, causing high levels of distrust in the government for those coming of age in that era.
What is socioeconomic status?
The combination of education, occupation, and income that can be used to guage one's position in society.
In 2010, what percentage of voters identified themselves as pure independents?
16%
What are the voter registration and turnout percentages by age in American, 2016?
18 to 24 years old: 55% registered 43% voted 25 to 34 years old: 65% registered 53% voted 35 to 44 years old: 70% registered 60% voted 45 to 64 years old: 74% registered 67% voted 65+: 78% registered 71% voted
What were the partisan loyalty percentages in the 2016 Presidential vote?
89% of Democrats voted for Clinton and 9% voted for Trump. 90% of Republicans voted for Trump and 7% voted for Clinton. 48% of Independents voted for Trump and 42% voted for Clinton.
What is the Consumer Confidence Index?
A calculation that includes business research group Conference Board and based on surveys that ask voters about their prospective view of the economy, and it is a great predictor of presidential election outcomes.
What can cause a voter to detach from their party?
A major event or issue that causes them to reexamine their party's positions, such as reproductive rights and science.
What is voter fatigue?
A phenomenon that occurs when voters lose interest in politics as a result of being asked to vote too frequently and on too many different issues.
Describe the CCI
A score over 100 represents confidence in the economy, an atmosphere in which an incumbent candidate could expect voter support. A score under 100 represents relatively low confidence in the economy, an atmosphere in which an incumbent should fear voter retaliation.
What is voter turnout?
A statistic representing the number of voters who cast a ballot in a given election.
What national debate has caused many Americans to consider their religious convictions when making political decisions?
Abortion rights
Who could actually vote in Athenian system?
Adult males who had completed requisite military service.
What is a participation variable does not take into account demographic groups but is still a useful indicator of political participation?
Age
What was the Athenian system?
All citizens voted directly on all issues of government. However, more than half of Athenians were excluded from voting for being women and slaves.
What is political participation?
Any kind of action that is aimed at changing or supporting government policy or officials.
What countries have mandatory voting laws and enforce the laws?
Argentina, Australia, Austria (two states only), Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Fiji, Greece, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nauru, Peru, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, and Uruguay.
Why has new media declined voter turnout?
As television advertising and Internet publication have become the dominant forms of political communication, the emphasis on door-to-door campaigning and personal appearances by candidates to shake hands with voters has declined. This decline in personal touch leads voters to not feel the same sense of connection to politics and may choose not to participate in elections. Also, campaigns have increasingly relied on negative advertising to persuade voters.
Why is recruitment important for political participation?
Because a person might have resources and political interest, but if she is not mobilized into action by someone else, she might never get involved.
Why was John Kerry considered a "flip-flopper" in the 2004 election?
Because he did not support the war in Iraq, but he also thought that America should have some sort of presence in the nation. This led voters to become confused about his intentions, leading the side that opposed the war to feel that he was not the right person to get the troops back home; while leading the side that was for the war to question his suitability for the task at hand.
Why did John McCain choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate?
Because he needed to balance the ticket and strategically appeal to a different group of American voters because she was opposite in many ways from him: young, a "washington outsider" and in touch with the American heartland. She also represented a successful independent-minded woman, which was a presence that had been provided by Hilary Clinton before the lost the bid for the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama.
Why did people like Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush?
Because their perceived moral fortitude and ability to relate to the average American.
What countries have mandatory voting laws but do not enforce the laws?
Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt (male voters only), France, Gabon, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Netherlands, Paraguay, Philippines, Thailand.
What is most likely to be taken in consideration in prospective voting?
Campaign promises
Who are voters drawn to and why?
Candidates who share their own demographic profile because when voters feel a sense of resemblence, they are more likely to trust political leaders and feel confident in their policy decisions
What form of unconventional participation was most effective in bringing about legislative change?
Civil Rights Activism
What is the percentage of registered and actual voter participation in America by education level?
College Graduates 81% registered 74% voters Some college 73% registered 63% voters High school graduates 63% registered 52% voters Some high school 47% registered 35% voters
What are the different types of political participation?
Conventional participation and unconventional participation.
What do challengers often depict current officeholders as and what does this mean they want voters to vote by?
Corrupt, government as inefficient, and the political situation as dire, meaning they want voters to vote prospectively toward a better future that only a new administration can make possible.
What is conventional participation?
Culturally acceptable political activity that communicates preferences through established institutions.
What is a fourth factor responsible for declining voter turnout?
Demographic differences in political participation, which means that most politicians do not relate to younger Americans; as long as the national agenda continues to be dominated by such issues as Social Security and health care, young adults will find little motivation to participate.
What were Freedom Rides?
Demonstrations held during the civil rights movement of the 1960s in which activists would ride public transportation (mainly buses) into Southern states in order to protest racial segregation.
What was an example of how the abortion rights debate has pushed Catholic Latin Americans towards Republican party?
During the 2004 election, 2/3 of Latinos voted for George W. Bush nationwide.
What are the disadvantages of mandatory voting?
Elections should be decided by those who care and who are knowledgeable about politics regardless of their wealth or status. It is a stronger measure of legitimacy of a government system if people do not feel the need to participate in elections. Apathy may be the result of satisfaction rather than alienation. While citizens have the right to vote, they should not be required to vote. Certain religions discourage participation in politics. Fining those citizens who do not choose to exercise this right is oppressive. Some citizens may have no knowledge of or interest in politics and may have no preference among political candidates. In fact, their participation in an election may skew the results.
What are midterm elections and what are their voter turnouts like?
Federal elections occurring between presidential election years, and their turnout is even lower than presidential election turnout.
What do most campaigns support regarding policies?
Fiscally responsible government, reduction in crime, strong national security, and quality education.
Describe the Roman Republic.
For several centuries, the government of Rome was based on a system of separated powers with accompanying checks and balances, and it contained such features as a constitution, a senate, courts, assemblies, and a complex bureaucracy. Though this might sound very similar to the governmental structure of the United States today, Rome also retained a prominent aristocracy that exercised a great deal of power over political matters.
What can psychological engagement in politics stem from?
From having a personal interest in a particular issue, having parents who are politically engaged, or having a direct connection to an issue.
What probably hurt Senator John Kerry's election chances the most in the 2004 presidential race?
His reputation as a flip-flopper
Among what racial group was turnout lowest in the 2016 presidential election?
Hispanic Americans
What is the main disagreement among people over political participation?
How much and what kind of participation is necessary.
People would be more likely to participate in the political process if what?
If they have the time, resources, and if someone asks them to get involved.
Other people argue that government can be considered democratic if they participate in what way?
If they participate indirectly by electing representatives who act on their behalf.
What happens when the overall state of the economy is in better shape than it was before in regards to voters, what happens if it isnt?
If voters are satisfied with their financial situation, the incumbent candidate will likely garner their support. If not, then the incumbent candidate runs the risk of losing their support.
How is the voter registration process in the U.S. different from other countries?
In many countries, anyone who meets the voting eligibility requirements is automatically ready to vote without going through a formal registration. In the U.S. however, an eligible voter must obtain, complete, and submit a voter registration form, which must be done at least two weeks prior to the election in most states. Also, each time a person moves, they must re-register to vote at their new address.
What was the Motor Voter Act (National Voter Registration Act of 1993)?
In order to try to reduce the burden associated with re-registering to vote each time one moves, Congress created this legislation that required state governments to allow eligible voters to register when applying for a driver's licence or social services.
Why has social capital gone down?
In the 1950s and 60s, Americans belonged to a number of social networks such as churches, bowling leagues, and bridge clubs. They also joined professional service organizations to become Rotarians, Elks, and Masons. But with the advent of television and the Internet, Americans are now choosing to spend their leisure time at home and alone. This process leads people to not have as much political awareness and participation in the United States.
What is convenience voting?
It allows voters to cast a ballot at various locations throughout their community during the weeks prior to an election (also called early voting).
What can unconventional participation do to the democratic system, and what does the national government do in response?
It can threaten its stability, so the national government often responds by attempting to redirect participation into more conventional and institutionalized channels.
How did the 26th amendment affect voter turnout?
It expanded the franchise to citizens aged 18, 19, and 20, who are members of the group least likely to participate in elections: 18 to 24 year olds.
What has the unconventional protests of whalehunts by Greenpeace led to?
It has drawn international attention to the issue of whaling and has contributed to a decrease in commercial whaling practices.
What are the two trends regarding voter turnout?
It has generally declined since the 1960s and it remains lower in the U.S. than in other industrialized countries.
What is Greenpeace?
It is an environmental advocacy organization that uses unconventional direct action tactics to focus attention on environmental issues.
Where does someone's sense of party identification come from?
It is often handed down from parents to children and is further reinforced by social communities such as schools or places of worship.
What does this tendency of voters mean?
It means that people tend to vote with their wallets.
What is absentee voting?
It permits a voter to request and return a ballot through the mail.
What does prospective voting require?
It requires voters to trust candidates to fulfill campaign promises and realize policy goals once elected.
What Presidents have enjoyed public support in due to their speechmaking abilities and leadership qualities?
John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
What is voter registration and turnout by gender in America, 2016?
Male: 69% registered while 59% voted Women: 72% registered while 63% voted
What groups typically use unconventional forms of political participation?
Marginalized groups that have been denied access to institutionalized modes of participation, but they are also used by groups seeking to attract awareness to their cause.
Who typically uses absentee voting?
Members of the military stationed overseas.
How do Americans feel about the two dominant political parties?
Most Americans feel a strong affinity toward one of the two dominant political parties, and their vote choices tend to reflect that connection.
What is an accurate statement about the strength of partisan loyalty?
Only major events or issues cause voters to reevaluate their partisan loyalties.
What are some examples of unconventional participation?
Participation in demonstrations, protests, boycotts, or sit-ins, or even terrorist attacks with political messages.
What are the three main influences on vote choice among citizens?
Partisan loyalty, policy issues, and candidate characteristics.
Who recruits others to get involved in politics?
Party activists, interest-group advocates, friends, family members, or coworkers.
Regarding wage, what group reported the highest levels of voter registration and turnout in 2016?
People with annual incomes of $150,000 and above.
How can socioeconomic status be a good way of determining whether or not someone will participate?
People with more education, higher incomes, and white-collar jobs are more likely to participate politically than people of a lower socioeconomic status.
What is unconventional participation?
Political activity that takes place outside of established institutions and challenges cultural norms.
If you decide to vote for a candidate because you like what she has promised to do once in office, you are engaging in what type of voting?
Prospective
What are the trends of political participation regarding race, ethnicity, and gender?
Race, ethnicity, and gender have historically been associated with participation, but those relationships have changed over time (see Figures 5 and 6). In the past, blacks were less likely than whites to participate, but today they participate at comparable rates when socioeconomic factors are taken into consideration. Similarly, women used to participate less than men, but these differences also have largely diminished.
What government had its root in the ancient world and where?
Republicanism and it was the Roman republic.
What does political participation require?
Resources, interest, and motivation.
An incumbent up for reelection when unemployment is low would probably want voters to vote by what?
Retrospective voting tendencies.
What considerations tend to diminish differences in voter turnout due to race?
Socioeconomic factors
What do some people contend about government being democratic?
Some believe government is only democratic if all citizens are directly involved in policymaking.
What might supporters of mandatory voting argue?
That voting is a civic duty
What political system came closest to that of true democracy?
The Athenian system of democracy founded in Greece around 500 BCE.
What country had the lowest voter turnout between 1660 and 2000?
The United States
What are the predominant attributes that voters consider when voting?
The candidate's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and background.
What determines whether a voter thinks retrospectively or prospectively?
The candidate's relationship to the contested seat shapes voters evaluations.
What determines whether or not political participation is conventional or unconventional?
The cultural norms of the time period
What are the advantages of mandatory voting?
The election outcome should represent the preferences of the population at large, not just the wealthy or politically and socially advantaged Through mandatory voting the government can claim greater legitimacy because a wider segment of the population participated in its selection. Citizens should participate in selecting their government. Doing so performs a major civic duty critical to the functioning of a healthy democratic society. Mandatory voting encourages citizens to become and stay politically aware of government activity and encourages political accountability.
What is another possibility that has caused voter turnout to decline?
The generational effect, as the generation of voters socialized to politics in the 60s and 70s may have shaped their views in a way that discouraged them from participating in politics.
What is the first reason for declined turnout?
The growing mobility of the American electorate, which means voters are moving from state to state and moving to a new state requires that a voter change residence, alter voting precinct, and adapt to a new community and political context, which takes time to do.
What do some people believe about attack ads in politics?
The influence on voters is still not clear, but many find this use of media to be responsible for public cynicism toward politics and the electoral process.
What is a second factor that is responsible for declining turnout and is responsible for global decline in voter turnout?
The loss of social capital
What is an example of Greenpeace using unconventional forms of political participation?
The organization protests the practice of commercial whaling by deploying Greenpeace ships that attempt to interfere with the whale hunt.
What are the trends among American participation in politics?
The participation overall is low among Americans, but it is very low when it comes to high-initiative activities, which are those that require more resources and interest.
What is balancing the ticket?
The practice of presidential nominees selecting a running mate who broadens the public appeal of the campaign.
What are the voting trends in America?
The richer and more educated you are, the more likely you are to vote.
What is franchise?
The right to vote
What is a third factor involved in voter turnout declining?
The way in which new media are being used by campaigns to reach voters.
What is the best way to describe voter turnout trends since the 1960s in America?
There has been a decreased turnout in both presidential and congressional elections.
What vote are both Republicans and Democrats fighting for right now and why?
They are both competing for the loyalty of Catholic Latin Americans because Catholics have historically been a more liberal Democratic partisan group due to decades of minority status in the United States, but the party's liberal stance on reproductive and abortion rights has led to a good portion of the Catholic Latin American voting bloc to support more Republican candidates.
What will incumbents who have held office during tumultuous times do?
They are more likely to make promises of future success in an attempt to appeal to voters' prospective tendencies.
What do both of these forms of government rest on the assumption of?
They both rest on the assumption that citizens will participate to some extent in their own governance.
What can people who have a sense of party identification do?
They can vote without undergoing the rigors of obtaining thorough knowledge of the candidates themselves or the policies they espouse.
What are the three main reasons people do not participate in politics?
They cannot participate because of a lack of resources, they do not want to participate because they lack interest in politics, or nobody has asked them to participate.
How have state and local governments in the U.S. responded to concerns about time constraints with regards to voting?
They have offered absentee voting and convenience voting.
How did the government respond to the unconventional actions of students protesting the Vietnam War by disrupting college campuses?
They passed the 26th amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18 in an effort to redirect the political energy of youth. These protests also helped put an end to the military draft in 1973.
What is the result of U.S. elections being more frequent and ballots being longer?
They require more time, knowledge, and interest from the voter, causing voter fatigue.
What do presidential campaigns do to prevent loss of potential support and what is this known as?
They select running mates who can attrack voters from different geographic regions or racial groups, which is called balancing the ticket.
What do voters often turn to if they do not have shared experiences with the candidate?
They turn to the candidate's party affiliation or issue position.
What was political participation like for African-Americans during the civil rights movement?
They were denied access to conventional forms of participation like voting, so they engaged in less conventional forms of participation like staging sit-ins in public and private places, long distance marches involving hundreds of people, and interstate Freedom Rides using public transportation.
What will incumbents who have held office during relatively prosperous times do?
They will likely emphasize their past record in order to appeal to voters' retrospective tendencies.
What factors are most likely to increase the chance that a citizen will participate in politics?
Time and money
What does attending a meeting or working for a campaign require and what does this result in?
Time, interest, knowledge, and possibly even professional skills, which results in far fewer Americans reporting their engagement in these activities.
What character traits do voters base their votes on as well?
Trustworthiness, intellect, prior service to the country, oratory skills, ability to empathize, and overall projection of power and strength.
What was the civil rights movement known for?
Unconventional forms of participation like sit-ins and marches.
What is prospective voting?
Voter behavior that evaluates candidates based on forecasts of their future political behavior.
What is retrospective voting?
Voter behavior that evaluates candidates based on their experience or past performance.
What is the general trend around the world according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance?
Voter turnout has decreased globally over the past 10 years by almost 10 percent, both in established democracies as well as newly-democratized developing countries.
What do single member districts contribute to?
Voters' resistance to "wasting" votes.
Simply put, what does the CCI use to predict presidential election results?
Voters' views on the economy.
What are some forms of conventional political participation?
Voting for all those who are aged 18 or older as long as they are citizens.
What are some common forms of political participation?
Voting in an election, signing a petition, participating in an interest-group activity, and sending an email to a government official.
What may happen as younger generations replace the disaffected voters socialized in the 60s and 70s?
We may see a rise in voter turnout and political participation.
What helps voters to realize the ideological differences between election rivals, but may also leave voters confused?
When candidates provide detailed information about their policy objectives.
What is the voter registration and turnout by race and ethnicity in America, 2016?
White: 66% registered, 58% voted Black: 65% registered, 56% voted Hispanic: 39% registered, 33% voted Asian: 39% registered, 34% voted
How did the government respond to the unconventional actions of civil rights activists during the 1950s and 60s?
With a series of civil rights laws that extended equal protection to a number of minority groups.
In what way would Americans be least likely to participate?
Working for a party or candidate
What are the trends regarding age and political participation?
Young people are more likely than older people to engage in unconventional forms of participation, but they are less likely to engage in conventional forms of participation, including voting.
What activities typically require the most time and resources in order to participate in politics?
giving money to a campaign, attending a political meeting, and working for a party or candidate.
How do some countries keep their voter turnout high?
By making it mandatory by law.
What is social capital?
The degree of civic connectedness within a political community.
Are petitions conventional or unconventional forms of protest?
They are seen to be more conventional.