Political Participation In The USA

G Hughes

Participation in Politics

Voting

Joining Political Parties

Help to choose their

party’s candidate

for President

Campaigning

Stand as a candidate

for Election

Joining an Interest Group

G Hughes

How can US Citizens participate in Politics?

Voting and Voter Turnout

American citizens can participate in voting at local, state and federal levels.However voting turn out has remained low particularly for women, minorities and young people. This is due to several reasons:1.Voter Registration – you have to register to vote which is a complicated process and intimidates many minorities.2.Voter Apathy – People think its more bother than its worth! E.g. They don't feel it'll make a difference, its too complicated, they don't like the candidates or they simply don't know how to register or vote!3. Language barriers – Hispanics may have problems reading English voting forms etc.G Hughes

Voter turnout by ethnic group %

1996 2000 2004

African Americans

50.6 54.1 56.3

API’s 25.7 25.4 29.8

Hispanics 26.7 27.5 28.0

Whites 56.0 60.4 60.3

G Hughes

Government Response to low voting

‘Motor Voter Act’ - This is law that enables prospective voters to register when they obtain or renew a driver’s licence. This reduces a main barrier to voting.

G Hughes

Standing as a candidate

US citizens can also participate by standing as a candidate. Many women and minorities are standing at local and state level because they have greater chance of success.

G Hughes

Joining Political Parties

Many people join either the Democrats or the Republicans. The campaign for their party by handing out leaflets, poster and organising fund raising events.

The election involving Obama saw many first time campaigners. Many Black people wore Obama t-shirts and publicised his campaign.

G Hughes

Join Interest Groups

Americans can join, campaign and protest for interest groups – for example the National Rifle Association which campaign for the right to carry guns.Interest groups are powerful in America and lobby politicians' in Congress. They also donate millions of $ to political parties election campaigns to gain influence.

G Hughes