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2. This is a learning resource that has made to assist you with your learning and revision. (BUT that doesn’t mean you have to revise everything on this resource – use it to help you with your revision) To use the resource, simply click on the mouse to move from slide to slide or use the action buttons when appropriate. The resource also has links to other sites, model answers and exam style questions Information

3. Ways people can participate Click here for an example Join an interest group Join a political party Stand as a candidate Vote Take part in a election campaign CLICK Buttons to find out more Republicans

4. NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION (NRA) Founded in 1871 Opposes (Against) controls on guns in the USA Provides members with firearm training and advice on gun safety Claim: “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” NRA has six steps to promote its cause: 1. Register to vote 2. Monitor your local media 3. Take part in call-in radio and TV shows 4. Join the NRA’s Frontlines Volunteer Programme 5. Mobilize your club 6. Spread the word Example of an interest group

5. Ways people can participate Vote  The US Constitution says that any US citizen aged 18 or over can vote  In the USA, people have to register to vote  American’s can vote in Federal, State and Local elections Stand as a candidate  In the USA, American citizens can stand as candidates in an election  They may try to become a State Senator or even stand as a candidate for President Join an interest group  Interest groups try to influence politicians to do things they want  They try to persuade the public to support them in order to get politicians to change the law  Ways to participate: - Write to Congressman/woman - Protest/demonstration

6. Ways people can participate Join a political party Take part in a election campaign  There are two main political parties in the USA – the Democrats and the Republicans  By joining a party, Americans can financially help with the cost of campaigns  They can also take part in state primaries and help choose who are to become their party’s candidates  During an election campaign Americans can participate by helping their favourite candidate  They can hand out leaflets and stickers  They can help raise funds by asking people for donations or help organise events Questions

7. Low voter turnout (participation) Why is there a low voter turnout? There are a number of reasons for this such as: 1.It could depend on whether it is a Presidential Election – more people tend to vote when it is to elect the President 2. You must be registered to vote before you are allowed to vote in the USA – this form is long and complicated and can put people off registering. Poorly educated people in particular could struggle to fill in the form 3. The ballot paper is also often long and complicated – confusing and puts people off voting 4. Some people might think there are too many elections held for too many posts

8. Low voter turnout (participation) Why is there a low voter turnout? There are a number of reasons for this such as: 5. Some may think voting does not improve their lives so why bother voting. For example, many Blacks and Hispanics have poor life chances – tend to live in the poorest areas in the city where housing is poor, unemployment is high leading to crime, poor schools leading to high dropout rate and bad health. They are not interested in voting because it seems to have no relevance in their lives 6. Many Hispanics are illegal immigrants and so are not allowed to vote 7. Some people think there is little difference between the Democrats and the Republicans 56% of Blacks and 28% of Hispanics voted in Presidential Election (2004)

9. Questions 1.Describe, in detail, two ways in which American citizens can participate in elections KU 4 marks TIP: the question is asking about elections so make sure you give the correct explanations and examples here i.e. vote, take part in an election campaign, join a political party or stand as a candidate