US Elections and Voting

Questions and Answers

Because they are not as organized as groups in making their preferences clear

To influence the actions of official policy actors to gain favorable outcomes

Because they do not possess legal authority to make binding policy decisions

To represent the policy preferences of citizens Signup and view all the answers

They are intermittent, at best Signup and view all the answers

Their legal authority to make binding policy decisions Signup and view all the answers

Because they have the right to participate and protect their interests Signup and view all the answers

Unofficial actors influence the actions of official policy actors Signup and view all the answers

It is primarily a group process Signup and view all the answers

To provide information and analysis to policy makers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elections for national office are held every two years, but not all offices are up for election every year.
Voter turnout is often low, making it difficult to draw conclusions about public preferences.
Even with high turnout, it's impossible to say that elections broadly reflect public preferences.
Low voter turnout is a concern among citizens and democratic theorists, as it means many potential voters do not express their opinions.

Low voter turnout is related to low levels of participation in other political activities.
Policy makers are sensitive to public opinion, as they may face backlash or lose elections if they make unpopular decisions.
Overall, political attention and participation are remarkably low.

People want the most benefits at the least cost, seeking benefits for themselves while spreading the costs among others.
People can be mobilized to care about particular issues, and nonvoters can be motivated to take action.
Citizens often act when their livelihood or lifestyle is threatened, such as when new development threatens their neighborhood.

Interest groups are important in the policy process, as they magnify individual power.
The number of interest groups has rapidly expanded since the 1960s.
Many groups are local, but some are national or even international.
The American system of democracy makes it relatively easy to form an interest group, but effective activity is expensive.

Grassroots organizations form frequently to achieve specific goals.
While anyone can form a group, its mere existence does not guarantee a voice in policy making.

The policy-making process involves unofficial actors, including individual citizens, interest groups, and political parties.
Unofficial actors participate in policy making, but their roles are not fully specified in the Constitution.
Official actors, such as government agencies, have legal authority to make binding policy decisions.