Lesson Starter

What will I learn? To Describe the different ways people can participate in American politics To Investigate an Interest Group in the USA and describe what the group does To Explain why voter registration and turnout is low in the USA

Success Criteria Describe the different ways people can participate in American politics. Investigate an Interest Group in the USA and describe what the group does. Explain why voter registration and turnout is low in the USA.

What is ‘Participation?’ Joining in, taking part, becoming involved in a democracy, e.g. standing as a candidate in an election.

Ways Citizens can Participate Voting - On election day people can participate by turning out to vote for the Presidential candidate of their choice. e.g. In federal elections, you vote for the President every 4 years and Congress every 2 years.

Ways Citizens can Participate Stand as candidates - For example they could stand for Congress or even President. Over 1 million positions available from President down to dog catcher!

Ways Citizens can Participate Join a political party – Democrats or Republicans Being a party member lets them take part in the primary elections where you can choose your preferred candidate for President. For example, Democrats tend to be supported by the poor, unemployed and ethnic minorities. Republicans are more closely linked to the rich, big business and the middle class.

Ways Citizens can Participate Campaigning - Party members can get involved in election campaigns by handing out leaflets, attending party rallies and fundraising. For example, a citizen could go door to door handing out leaflets in support of the Republican Party.

Ways Citizens can Participate Join a Pressure group or Interest Group – these are groups which share similar views about something For example, the National Rifle Association (NRA) defends the right of American citizens to own and carry guns for self defence and sporting purposes. They are a powerful group with many supporters within government

Political Participation in the USA - Facts Before you can vote in the USA you must be registered to vote. In the 2012 Presidential election 65% of the total population was registered to vote (less than that actually voted on the day). Black and Hispanic voters are less likely to register, although there has been an increase in recent years. Turnout is therefore quite low.

Voter turnout Voter turnout is affected by whether or not it is a Presidential election year. The turnout is always higher in Presidential election years than it is for mid term elections. The TV coverage of the election of a President obviously increases voter awareness and interest. There is significantly less interest in only electing a Congressman/ woman or State officials.

Task 1 - Why is voter registration so low? On the next slide there are 5 reasons why voter registration is low in the USA. In your jotter, put today's date, the above heading and draw a spider diagram and on each leg write the reasons why voter registration is low. Reasons why voter registration is low in the USA

Why is voter registration so low? The registration procedure can be complicated. Some groups feel that voting is a waste of time. In some rural areas it might be difficult to get to the polling station. Many people are happy with the way the government is run. Many are illegal immigrants and not qualify to vote. Please go into detail/ explain each of these points to the pupils.

What other reasons are there for low voter turnout on election day? In America, if people fail to register to vote, then they can’t vote. Not only that, the low voter turnout at some elections in America can be explained by a combination of other factors too.

Low turnout in US elections Copy these reasons into your jotter: Numerous elections are held for many different posts and people can be put off voting because it happens so often. The registration form can be long and complicated and it, itself, can be a barrier to voting especially if certain groups are not well educated enough e.g. Blacks and Hispanics.

Low turnout in US elections The ballot paper is often long and complicated and some voters might find it confusing, especially if they don’t have a decent level of education. A lot of people believe that voting will not change their lives and so they don’t vote e.g. Many blacks and Hispanics - poor life chances. Live in poor areas e.g. ghettoes with poor schools and housing. Feel that voting makes no difference.

Low turnout in US elections Many Hispanics are illegal immigrants and so do not qualify, under the constitution, to vote. TV coverage may affect turnout. When the polling stations are closing in the Eastern states like New York people are still going to vote in western states like California because they are at least 5 hours behind. If TV stations announce that one side is going to win easily, those voters in the west may decide not to bother voting as the see the result as already decided.

Interest groups in the USA

Interest Groups in the USA Another way that Americans can participate in US politics is by joining an Interest Group. Interest groups try to use their influence to persuade the public to put pressure on politicians either to change or not to change the law. Interest groups use many methods to get their views heard. On the next few slides are the methods used by Interest Groups. Copy these into your jotter.

Methods used by Interest Groups Telephone campaigns – this is where supporters of the interest group phone people to influence them to sign petitions, write to the President etc. Mailing Campaigns – The Interest Group will write letters or send emails to get people to join and support them.

Methods used by Interest Groups Websites - that will give interested people details of what the Interest group stands for and its campaigns. Leaflets – will be handed out to members of the public to inform them who the group are, what they stand for, campaigns they are involved in and how the public can get involved.

Methods used by Interest Groups Campaign rallies, meetings and demonstrations – these attract publicity as the groups go out and march on the streets. The media come along and cover the story and give publicity to the Interest Group. This spreads the message of what they stand for. Lobby Politicians – This is where members of the Interest groups will go to the State or Federal Government and speak directly to the politicians. Some Interest Groups give money to politicians so that the will support the group once they are elected.

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) – Aims to advance the interests of the over 50s in issues such as healthcare and pensions.

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA Americans for Immigration Control (AIC) – Aims to reduce immigration to the USA, to deport illegal immigrants and to end all public programmes that help non-citizens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5RTOiSZFI4 – “Americans take action” clip by the Americans for Immigration Control group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-TY51N3Yyo – “Borders out of control” by the Americans for Immigration Control group

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Works to promote individual rights for freedom in the USA.

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA National Council of la Raza – Aims to reduce discrimination against Hispanics.

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA National Rifle Association (NRA) – aims to support the right of citizens to own guns and to block attempts to reduce gun control in the USA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SAWeR6l-cs – brief history of the NRA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJo2xlmT29I – NRA advert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdt6Jj64TVU – why is the NRA so powerful?

Examples of Interest Groups in the USA Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) – Aims to reduce death and injury caused by gun availability.

I can… Describe the different ways people can participate in American politics. Investigate an Interest Group in the USA and describe what the group does. Explain why voter registration and turnout is low in the USA.