1. Political Participation in the USA

2. Participation in the USA American citizens can participate in many ways during elections. American citizens can participate in many ways during elections. Stand as candidates in Presidential, Congressional or local elections Stand as candidates in Presidential, Congressional or local elections Join their local Democratic or Republican parties and choose candidates. Join their local Democratic or Republican parties and choose candidates. Canvass voters opinions Canvass voters opinions Hand out leaflets Hand out leaflets Attend party rallies Attend party rallies Phone voters and persuade them to vote for their party Attend fundraising events VOTING!

3. Voter registration Complicated – educational problems Complicated – educational problems Waste of time – no improvement Waste of time – no improvement Rural issues Rural issues Why bother – Democrats Why bother – Democrats Republicans all the same Republicans all the same

4. Low voter turnout/participation Too many elections Ballot papers long and complicated TV coverage reduced for midterms. Time difference from East to West. Florida 2000 effect

5. Some Blacks are very militant and don’t want anything to do with what they see as a white society Some Blacks are very militant and don’t want anything to do with what they see as a white society Many Hispanics are illegal immigrants and cannot register to vote as they would be deported Many Hispanics are illegal immigrants and cannot register to vote as they would be deported Many Blacks and Hispanics have dropped out of school – strong link between poor education and non- voting. Butterfly ballot? Many Blacks and Hispanics have dropped out of school – strong link between poor education and non- voting. Butterfly ballot? Black politicians have been unable to improve the economic conditions for the minorities especially in the inner city areas. Black politicians have been unable to improve the economic conditions for the minorities especially in the inner city areas. Some minorities feel that obstructions are put in their way of registering and voting. Some minorities feel that obstructions are put in their way of registering and voting. Few participants

6. Why the difference?