Political Participation

1. Political Participation Political Participation      “Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.”- William Simon

2. 1860-1900 -70% or more

3. Now never near 70% BUT: • Less voter fraud • Old numbers based on registered voters • 1890- Australian ballot • Voter registration to reduce fraud – 30 days in advance- reduces voting

4. RuyTexeira: “ Younger, single, less church going electorate. They DON”T vote • Political party( the machine) losing power • Some difficult- ex. Absentee ballots • Number of elections high (Federalism)- Europe votes much less often so each election mean more

5. Not voting is costless • No extreme positions, two party system creates moderation. • Extremes are found in third or alternative parties.

6. Rise of the electorate • At Constitution only male white land owners • By Andrew Jackson – all white males vote • 1880- 86% of adults- England only 60% • Congress taking some control from states- ex- 15th amendment

7. The 15th- a wonder • “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

8. 15th- a failure? • Loopholes- Literacy test, poll taxes-1965 Alabama Literacy Test • Grandfather clause helped poor illiterate whites vote- cause Grandpa did. • 19th amendment- 1920- women vote • Indian Citizenship Act- 1924- American Indians vote • 1965- voting rights act • 1970- 26th amendment- 18 yr olds

9. So we got the vote, do we use it? • I didn’t vote because: • Did not register 42% • Don’t like candidates 17% • No real reason 10% • Sick/disabled 8% • No interest 5% • Away from home 3% • Can’t leave job 2%

11. FOUR FIXES • 1. Holiday- Would need a Constitutional amendment • 2. Easier registration- Increases fraud • 3. Strengthen parties- Not likely • 4. Easier absentee voting

12. Democratic practice, democratic theory

13. Geez, that looks bad but….. • It fails individually but works collectively • We seek balance in the electorate. Various level of interest and knowledge create that balance • Here’s how:

15. FED #10 • In the next place, as each representative will be chosen by a greater number of citizens in the large than in the small republic, it will be more difficult for unworthy candidates to practice with success the vicious arts by which elections are too often carried; and the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to centre in men who possess the most attractive merit and the most diffusive and established characters. • How might this apply to the idea of more people voting?