Ch 10 - Mandate & Policy Voting

Explain which idea 'the mandate theory of elections' or 'the idea of policy voting' you support more?

Ch 10 - The Electoral College

Should the Electoral College be modified or eliminated? Explain.

Ch 10 - Voter Turnout

When compared to other western democracies, the U.S. has a low voter turnout. Why?
What can be done to improve voter turnout?

Ch 10 - Suffrage

What amendments expanded suffrage?
Will we continue to allow more people to vote or will the trend of increasing suffrage be reversed?

Ch 10 - The Election of 1800

The Edwards book, and many others, make a big deal out of 'the election of 1800'. Was it really an important election in U.S. history?

Ch 10 - Voting Methods

Should registration for voting and casting a vote be done online? Support and explain your answer.

Ch 10 - Voter Demographics

What are some characteristics that are correlated with increased voting?

Ch 10 - Political Efficacy

Do Americans have 'political efficacy'?
What is the difference between EXTERNAL 'political efficacy' and INTERNAL 'political efficacy'?
Which one is more important?

Ch 10 - 2008 Presidential Election

Look at the map on page 311 in Edwards. What were the major electoral changes between 2004 and 2008?

Ch 10 - Initiative & Referendum

What is an 'initiative'? What is a "referendum?
Most states have initiatives and referendum petitions and votes, should people have the same option concerning the federal government?

Ch 10 - Policy Entrepreneur

What is a 'policy entrepreneur'? What tools do policy entrepreneurs often use?

Ch 10 - Civic Duty

What is 'civic duty'? Is civic duty alive and well in the United States today?

Ch 6 - Younger Voters

What are some reasons why younger people tend to vote less than older people. Are these reasons legitimate?

Ch 6 - The Gender Gap

In politics is there a 'gender gap in American politics? Explain.

Ch 6 - Conservatives and Liberals

What are some of the political beliefs that 'conservatives and 'liberals' hold dear.