1. The Electorate The eligible voting population in a country

2. Who makes up the current U.S. electorate? American citizens who are at least 18 years old, registered to vote and have no convicted felonies (more serious crimes with over a year of jail time).

3. Who originally was given the right to vote in the U.S.? White male landowners How has that changed since then…..

4. 15 th Amendment 1870 The right to vote cannot be denied base upon someone’s race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Problem: Southern states instituted Jim Crow laws to segregate and take away political and civil rights of the freedmen.

6. 19 th Amendment 1920 The right to vote cannot be denied on account of sex. Problem: not many women were political, therefore, husbands received “2” votes.

8. 23 RD Amendment 1961 Electoral college votes will be granted to the District of Columbia but never exceed the number of any state (3). Problem: Residents of D.C. never had the right to vote for President although they were U.S. citizens.

9. 26 th Amendment 1971 The age minimum for voting was lowered to 18. Problem: Vietnam War protests sparked the need to lower the age; people argued, “Why should I have to die for a country I have no say in?”

12. Voting is the easiest way for citizens to participate in their government.

13. What are some other ways to participate in your government? Join a political party Register others to vote Write letters Call/contact representatives Donate money Help political campaigns Put a sign on your lawn Peaceful protest Lobby for your cause Join an interest group Petition Attend policy meetings Work at polling stations

14. If voting is the easiest way to participate, why don’t more Americans vote? Too busy Apathetic (don’t care) Never registered Lazy Issues don’t concern me Bad weather Out of town My vote doesn’t count Don’t know how All politicians are crooks