American%20Government%20and%20Organization

1
American Government and Organization

• PS1301
• Monday, 8 March

2
Announcements

• Film on Wednesday
• Midterm Friday
• Review questions

3
Role of Age and Education
4
Who Voted in 2000?
5
Role of Parties

• Link to George Bushs website
• The John Kerry campaign

6
Why is voter turnout so low?

• Lack of convenience (personal costs vs.
  collective benefits)
• Likelihood of making a difference
• Collective goodsfree riders
• Voter Attitudes
• Electoral System
• Changing demographics

7
Why then would anyone vote?

• Voting is the most common form of political
  participation
• Many people also talk about politics and try to
  persuade others to vote
• Very few participate in any other specific way.

8
Types of Reforms

• Increase Convenience, Reduce Costs
• Liberalize Absentee Laws
• Vote only by Mail
• Same day registration
• Compulsory voting (increase costs of not voting)
• Increase Voting Efficacy make people feel
  better about voting
• Term limits
• Change Electoral System (to PR)