Monday Madness...

Hi Class,

Good job today. A reminder that the Sabato Quiz #2 of Chapter 13 will be given tomorrow covering pages 470-80. The link to the quiz can be found at: http://www.mtbarclay.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/chapter13n2.doc

Here is my attempt at the FRQ given to you today. Do with it what you will.

FRQ on Low Voter Turnout

A. Voting patterns in United States are characterized by low levels of participation. Nationally, the US registers just 50% participation compared to other industrialized nations whose levels are as high as 90%.

B. 1. One demographic characteristic contributing to low voter turnout in the United States is a person's age. The 18-24 year old age group participates least among voters of other age groups in the US. Many young people in the US cite their lack of interest in politics as well as the feeling that "their vote doesn't count."

2. Another demographic characteristic contributing to low voter turnout in the United States is race. Hispanics in the United States have the lowest rate of participation among other racial groups including whites, African-Americans and Asians. Many Latinos do not participate in the United States for a number of reasons including a lack of political efficacy as well as for meeting the citizenship requirement for some.

C. 1. One institutional obstacle associated with nonvoting is the cumbersome voter registration process . For many Americans, simply registering to vote can be a huge chore. Registrars are often difficult to locate. There are time deadlines for registering as well as difficulty filling out the often confusing voter registration form. In some cases, the registration form is not presented in the language of the intended registree. This problem contributes to low levels of participation.

2. Another institutional obstacle associated with nonvoting is election frequency. Many critics of the US electoral system cite the excessive number of elections from national, state, and local to "special elections." Discouragement sets in with the sheer number of elections held each year which ultimately leads to Americans skipping out on elections.

3. Yet another institutional obstacle associated with nonvoting is called ballot fatigue which is the sheer number of ballot initiatives placed on a ballot during a single year. Oftentimes these measures are deliberatally made confusing and many voters give up on their serious consideration. Some Americans are discouraged to go to the polls given the sheer complexity and scope of some initiative.

I hope this proves helpful. I couldn't find a student response within the FRQ's online...See you tomorrow!!!