Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Why do you think the U.S. has a low rate of voter turnout? Why does the U.S. have a lower voter turnout than most other industrialized democracies? ? ? ?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Is low voter turnout a sign of “ political disease ” or political “ good health ” ? Who had the right to vote at the signing of the Constitution? How did voting go from state to federal control? What amendments have impacted voting? How did southern states get around the 15 th amendment?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? 15 th, 17 th, 19 th, 23 rd, 24 th, 26 th Why has voter turnout in the U.S. declined in the last century? Decline in popular interest in politics Decline in political party strength Less fraud Increased registration requirements

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Do Now: Why does the U.S. have a lower voter turnout than most other industrialized democracies?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? DO NOW: Why does the U.S. have a lower rate of voter turnout than most other industrialized democracies? Why has voter turnout declined in the last century? What factors contribute to one ’ s likelihood to vote?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Who is more likely to vote? Schooling Age Race Church-going Men/women Rich v. poor Regions CHECK YOUR SKILLS (Activity: Voter Perspective)

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Why has voter turnout declined since the 1960s? Youthfulness Race Political parties not as effective People feel elections don ’ t matter Increased apathy Mistrust of government (???)

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? DO NOW: What factors contribute to one ’ s likelihood to vote? (Big 3) Why has voter turnout declined since the 1960s?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? What evidence is there that even though we are voting less, we are participating more? Polls show increase in: Campaigning Donating to campaigns Contacting government officials working on community issues Public demonstrations Protest marches more common

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Do you believe that people misreport their level of political participation? How politically active will you be?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Where are you likely to fall? Inactives (22%) complete activists (1%) voting specialists (21%) campaigners (15%) Communalists (20%) parochial participants (4%)

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Identify 2 measures employed by certain states to get around the 15 th Amendment. What is the significance of the 17 th Amendment? How did it modify the original Constitution? What is the significance of the 26 th Amendment? What historical circumstances contributed to its ratification? How has it impacted voter turnout?

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? What is the range of voter turnout in presidential elections since the 1930s? … in “ midterms ” ? Why were the rates higher in the 19 th century ( )? Identify 2 institutional factors contributing to non-voting. Identify 3 demographic factors contributing to non-voting.

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? What has happened to voter turnout since the 1960s? Why? What is the Motor Voter Act? Which party opposed its passage? Why? Which party has benefited most from the Motor Voter Act? How would same day registration affect voter turnout? (at least 9 states have it currently)

Aim: How can American political participation be characterized? Identify two institutional factors that contribute to non-voting in the United States. Identify three demographic factors that contribute to non-voting in the United States. Why has voter turnout declined over that last century?

Aim: Should voter registration/voting requirements be eased or strengthened? DO NOW: 1.Identify two institutional factors that contribute to non-voting in the United States. 2.Identify three demographic factors that contribute to non-voting in the United States. 3.Why has voter turnout declined over that last century?

Aim: Should voter registration/voting requirements be eased or strengthened? Motor Voter Act (1995) Allows individuals to register to vote while at the DMV (or any government agency) Goal – increase voter registration Political Party supporting – ?? Effect on registration- ??? Effect on voter turnout - ???

Aim: Should voter registration requirements be eased or strengthened? Mail-in Registration Same Day Registration (in 10 states)

Aim: Should voter registration/voting requirements be eased or strengthened? Voter ID laws Have been passed in several states Eliminate voter fraud (impersonation) Party supporting - ? Party opposed - ? – why?

Aim: Should voter registration/voting requirements be eased or strengthened? Eased Strengthened Status quo