Clearly Communicated Learning Objectives in Written Form
• Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:– discuss and critically analyze political events in the
United States government– understand and interpret the United States
Constitution and apply it to present policy dilemmas.
– assess the 2010 and 2012 elections without resorting to partisan bickering.
Office Hours and Readings
• Chapter 5• Chapter 4 (110-129)
• Office Hours– Thursday 8-10– Monday 8-10:30
Civil War Amendments
• 14th- Male and 21 for federal elections
• 15th- Cannot Deny on the condition of race or previous servitude
17th Amendment (1913)
• Senators will be elected by the people
• This Ends appointment by state legislature
19th Amendment
• Wyoming is the first state to grant women’s suffrage
• states cannot deny the right to vote on account of sex
The Role of the States
• States still can control who votes as long as they do not violate the federal law
• Restrictions Today
Income and Voting
• Wealthy people vote at higher Rates
• Related to education
• Lower Information Costs
Why Young People Don’t Vote
• Are Unfamiliar with the system-
• Are one step above Gypsies
• Have less formal and political education
Low Social Capital
• Writings of Robert Putnam
• Are not connected to the community
• As a Result, have low interest in politics
Turnout in 2004
• Higher than 2000, which was supposed to favor Democrats
• Why Higher Turnout
• Who it helped?
Voter Turnout in 2008
• 130 Million voted, 61% which was the highest rate since 1968
• Where was turnout up?
– Best States
– Worst States
People expected more Voters in 2008
• Only slightly higher than 2004
• 18-29 year olds did not increase greatly
• Why No increase?
Low Motivation from The Left
• Every Democratic Group claimed responsibility for President Obama’s Victory
• Supporters wanted immediate policy change on their issue
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