Political Participation And Voting Political Participation activities of

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Political Participation And Voting

Political Participation And Voting

Political Participation • “activities of citizens that attempt to influence the structure of government,

Political Participation • “activities of citizens that attempt to influence the structure of government, the selection of government officials, or the policies of government” • 2 Types: • A) Conventional Participation • B) Unconventional Participation

Conventional Participation • A good test of a democracy is whether or not citizens

Conventional Participation • A good test of a democracy is whether or not citizens can influence policies via conventional means. • How? • A) Meeting with public officials • B) Sponsoring referenda or initiatives • C) Supporting candidates- List How • D) Voting

2 Categories of conventional political behavior • 1) Supportive Behavior- action that expresses allegiance

2 Categories of conventional political behavior • 1) Supportive Behavior- action that expresses allegiance to county and government. • A) Pledge of Allegiance • B) Holiday parades • C) Veteran’s Day Ceremonies • D) Working at a polling place • Usually these require little initiative on the part of the ctizen

 • 2) Influencing Behavior- attempts to modify or reverse government policy to serve

• 2) Influencing Behavior- attempts to modify or reverse government policy to serve political interests • A) Particular Benefits • For themselves- ex- voting against school budgets when you have no kids

 • Broad Policy Objectives- activities influencing the selection of public officials and policy.

• Broad Policy Objectives- activities influencing the selection of public officials and policy. • Low Initiative- register to vote, wear a T-Shirt, put a bumper sticker on your car. • High Initiative- Run for office, attending meetings, handing out literature, making phone calls • Also Class Action Lawsuits- EX- Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Unconventional Participation • Behavior that challenges or defies established institutions or the dominant culture

Unconventional Participation • Behavior that challenges or defies established institutions or the dominant culture • EX- Occupy Wall Street • Support for unconventional participation is stable unless the activities disrupt the daily lives of others • EX- 1968 Dem. National Convention- “Police riot” most viewers supported the police not the protesters

How effective is it? • It can be very effective. • EX- Anti-abortion protesters

How effective is it? • It can be very effective. • EX- Anti-abortion protesters have effectively eliminated abortions in some rural states • Also- Civil Rights in the 1950 s and 1960 s. Direct Action- assembling crowds to confront businesses and government to demand a hearing/change • People engaged in these behaviors tend to have a strong sense of political efficacy and belief they can affect political decisions.

 • Of all 5 indicators of electoral participation, only voting decreased from 1952

• Of all 5 indicators of electoral participation, only voting decreased from 1952 -2000 • WHY? • Socioeconomic Explanation • More education, higher income and higher status jobs tend to lead to more participation

 • • • Voted in election 93%, 82%, 73%, 51% Attend political meetings

• • • Voted in election 93%, 82%, 73%, 51% Attend political meetings 14%, 10%, 5%, 2% Discuss politics at home 85%, 83%, 73%, 62%

Why has voter turnout declined? • • This despite higher levels of education. (1980

Why has voter turnout declined? • • This despite higher levels of education. (1980 -2004 mid 50 s turnout. 2008 61%) Possible reasons: 1) Voters feel gov’t is no longer responsive to their needs • 2) lack of identification with a political party • 3) partly explained by low turnout among 18 -25 year old group since 1972

Why is US turnout lower than other democracies? • 1) Differences in voting laws

Why is US turnout lower than other democracies? • 1) Differences in voting laws and other machinery. • 2) Burden of registration is on the government not the voter. In the US it is a 2 -step process