Search Our Essay Database

Essay Instructions: voting behavior is an important topic not only for political science, but for democratic societies in general. Given the value placed on this act, it is surprising that reseach does not reveal clear and consistent patterns of voting behavior. discuss turnout and vote choice. Consider the US cas and explain the various paradoxes in this literature. Tie the essay back to basic questions of democratic process.

Essay Instructions: American democracy is celebrated globally as the example for all other democracies to model their governments upon. Despite this prestigious reputation, the United States has lower voter turnout rates than many other democracies.


Analyze and Compare voter turnout for Presidential elections of 1988, 1996 and 2004 to assess voter behavior.

Compare and contrast the characteristics designated in the template below.

Evaluate what policies, efforts and actions were successful at increasing voter turnout.


Case Study #1 Voter Turnout 1988

? What was the aggregate voter turnout for the 1988 election?
? Is this turnout level higher or lower than normal than normal election turnout?
? What were the sociological factors, psychological factors, and key political issues that may have
influenced the turnout rate during this election?
? Based on the outcome of the 1988 election (George H.W. elected), what voting model might best
explain the outcome; retrospective, prospective, or electoral competition model?
? Were there any demographic patterns that played a major factor in the selection of the winner?


Case Study #2 Voter Turnout 1996

? What was the aggregate voter turnout for the 1996 election?
? Is this turnout level higher or lower than normal than normal election turnout?
? What were the sociological factors, psychological factors, and key political issues that may have
influenced the turnout rate during this election?
? Based on the outcome of the 1996 election (Bill Clinton elected), what voting model might best
explain the outcome; retrospective, prospective, or electoral competition model?
? Were there any demographic patterns that played a major factor in the selection of the winner?


Case Study #3 Voter Turnout 2004
? What was the aggregate voter turnout for the 2004 election?
? Is this turnout level higher or lower than normal than normal election turnout?
? What were the sociological factors, psychological factors, and key political issues that may
have influenced the turnout rate during this election?
? Based on the outcome of the 2004 election (George W. Bush elected), what voting model
might best explain the outcome; retrospective, prospective, or electoral competition model?
? Were there any demographic patterns that played a major factor in the selection of the winner?


Compare, Contrast, and Conclude

? What similarities in voter turnout remained constant through these three case studies?
? What difference did you notice in voter turnout and behavior through these three elections?
? Were there any major efforts by interest groups or non-profits to increase voter turnout over
the period of these three elections? Were these efforts effective?
? What are some of the effects you see of lower voter turnout?
? Do you think voter turnout will decrease or increase in the future? Explain your answer.

Essay Instructions: Below is a basic outline of what I am looking for in the paper:

Topic: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and African American Politics

Outline:

I. Voting Rights Act of 1965

A. Description and Evolution

B. Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments of the Constitution
II. Voting Rights and African Americans

A. Civil Rights Division
B. Civil Rights Movement and Politics
III. African American Politics
A. American Society Turnout
B. Black Turnout vs. White Turnout
IV. Voting Rights Now
A. Be sure you focus on social factors underpinning political and legislative changes.
V. Summary & Conclusions
A. Does African American Votes play a vital role in Politics?
B. What effect would it have on society if African Americans did not vote?
C. How can African American representation change politics?
References

Additonal Requirement: Please try to focus on social factors underpining political and legislative changes.

Essay Instructions: Read and consider the following statements.

"Is voting a right or a privilege?"
—Anonymous

"I always voted at my party’s call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all."
—HMS Pinafore (1878), Act I

"Voting is the hallmark of democracy and of freedom. . . . Our forbears died on battlefields far from home and on streets in their own cities for this basic freedom. In nations less free, less powerful, and less prosperous, people still die asserting the ideals of democracy."
—Governor Michael O. Leavitt, Utah (2001)


ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Write a five-paragraph essay on the importance of voting in America.

1. Include an introductory paragraph that lists three reasons why it is important to vote. Reasons may be historical, moral, or logical in terms of preserving democratic institutions.

2. Include three additional paragraphs that adequately discuss each reason individually and include supporting details.

3. Complete the essay with a concluding paragraph that restates your three reasons.