We typically consider elections as accountability devices, the time when people can rebuke those in power and replace them with someone else. The people ultimately decide. Less understood, elections are important instruments of government power and authority. In fact the chief reason elections exist at all is because they benefit governments. This interpretation allows us to think more clearly about the role of democratic institutions and citizen participation.
Category Archives: participation
Get on board
The message is clear: Get vaccinated! The data are clear as well. Most people are on board.
Americans are buying more guns than ever before and the gun-owner vote is still ignored.
The run on guns is historic and not a word about it in the news media. The gun owner vote must not matter, right? Look at the evidence and draw your own conclusions.
Data Bites: Black Americans’ Opinions of Police, Biden, and Democratic Party
Two recent surveys focused on Black American’s political attitudes. Several results are helpful when thinking about this fall’s elections. Written by Robert Rodriguez and Mark Joslyn
Young people do not vote. Why?
On July 1, 1971 the 26th Amendment passed. This lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, adding nearly 11 million potential voters to the electorate. The 1972 presidential election remains the highest ever recorded turnout for youth voters. Why?
A Vigorous and Strong Democracy?
In my last post, I examined increases in voter turnout and concluded that American democracy appeared strong and vigorous. Critics, however, dispute this claim by comparing U.S. voter turnout to other developed countries. The comparison typically draws a much less favorable portrait of American democracy. So let’s consider that comparison. Voter turnout by countryContinue reading “A Vigorous and Strong Democracy?”
Gun Sales and Voter Choice – A Potential Connection?
Coronavirus fears have emptied supermarkets. Now, they are depleting gun stores. Gun buyers anticipate civil unrest caused by the extended health crisis and a looming economic collapse. Amid the uncertainty, they turn to guns. According to FBI figures, 3.7 million background checks were conducted last month, which translated to roughly 2 million guns sold. TheContinue reading “Gun Sales and Voter Choice – A Potential Connection?”
consider the politics 