1. Participation in the USA
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE……… The USA is a democracy. People in the USA are able to vote for Thousands of
officials at city, county, state and federal levels. A single voter may be able to vote for up to 30
representatives at one election! It is often argued that America has more elections that any other country in
the world!
Positions that Americans can vote on;

Federal level – President of the USA, US Senators, US congressmen

State level – Governor of the state and state level politicians (state senators and state
representatives)

Local level – Mayor, Sheriff, Police Chief, Fire Chief, members of School Boards
There are over 1 million elected positions in the USA!
Voters even get to vote on certain issues: rather than have politicians make decisions, in some states if issues
are very important, i.e., immigration, the voters will get to choose – these are called PROPOSITIONS.
Political Participation in the USA
Voting
Stand as a candidate
Join a Political Party
Campaigning for a Political Party
Take Direct Action
Join an Interest Group
America has more elections than any
other country; you can vote in Federal,
State and local elections, if you are
over 18 and registered.
For example,
Americans can vote from President of
the USA down to the members of the
School Board
There are over 1 million elected
positions that Americans can stand
for many elected posts such as
Senator, Governor or Congressman.
Americans can join either the
Republican or Democratic party which
best represents their views. They can
help choose and campaign for a
candidate
Americans can help to campaign by
handing out leaflets and posters for
their party or support it financially by
giving donations.
For example.
In 2012 Barack Obama and Mitt
Romney both stood as candidates to
be President
For Example.
Party members get a say in who the
party chooses as their candidate in
PRIMARY elections
Americans can take part in
demonstrations and marches if they
do not agree with the government as
long as they remain peaceful.
For Example.
The Tea Party held a rally against
Obama’s healthcare bill
Americans can join groups such as the
NRA (national rifle association) and
participate in marches, organise
petitions, etc.
For Example.
The NRA hold large demonstrations to
protect the Rights of gun owners in
the USA
For Example.
Volunteers are needed by both parties
to raise FUNDS to run an election
campaign.
The Tea Party group campaign for the
Republicans

2. Lack of Participation
Despite all of these opportunities to take part in the USA, a growing number of people simply don’t take part!
This includes not voting. Ethnic minorities are less likely to participate in politics in the USA than white people;
however, there are significant numbers of all groups that don’t participate.
Why do some Americans not take part?

Registering – before you can vote in the USA you must register, each state has its own rules; some of
these can be strict or fairly complicated, almost like filling in a UK passport application form. Therefore
this can put some people off

Too many elections – the fact that there are so many elections can put people off, turnout is higher when
it is an important election like for President, however elections for smaller positions can struggle to
attract voters

The Ballot paper – the way you vote changes from state to state, some are electronic, some are papers
which require an X in a box, and others require punching holes. The Layout along with the number of
elections on a ballot – up to 30 can put people off

Some may simply find politics boring – they may feel that it doesn’t apply to them, they may not care who
is President, etc.

Some can’t take part – many Hispanics are illegal immigrants and are therefore not allowed to take part

Language barriers/cultural barriers - many Hispanics may not speak English as a first language and may
feel isolated, or not necessarily understand the political debate. Some may see politics as not for them,
i.e. view it as something rich white people do
Activities
Q1 – What evidence is there that the USA is a democracy?
Q2 – What are Propositions?
Q3 – EXAM STYLE QUESTION - Explain, in detail, how Americans can take part in the political process
(NAT 4 = 4 marks)
(NAT 5 = 8 Marks)
Q4 – Write 2 PEEL paragraphs explaining the ‘reasons why some Americans do not participate in politics in
the USA’