Voting Rights and Behavior

• The 15th Amendment prohibits voting discrimination based on race or color.
• The 17th Amendment allows each state to elect two senators.
• The 19th Amendment prohibits voting discrimination based on gender.
• The 23rd Amendment grants residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections.
• The 24th Amendment abolishes poll taxes in federal elections.
• The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Political Models of Voting Behavior

• Rational choice voting is voting based on what is perceived to be in the citizen’s individual interest.
• Retrospective voting is voting based on the recent past performance of the party or candidate in power.
• Prospective voting is voting based on predictions of how a party or candidate will perform in the future.
• Party-line voting involves supporting candidates from one political party for all public offices at the same level of government.

Structural Barriers

• Voter registration and homelessness are examples of structural barriers to voting.
• Midterm elections are general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term.
• Voter turnout is generally highest in presidential elections, potentially due to international interest.
• Political efficacy is a citizen's feeling about their ability to influence the outcome of a vote.
• Older individuals are more likely to vote, due to a desire to maintain stability in their lives.

Factors Influencing Voter Choice

• Party identification and ideological orientation influence voter choice.
• Contemporary political issues influence voter choice.
• Religious beliefs or affiliation influence voter choice.
• Religious beliefs may affect voting if a religion's tenets contradict a candidate's stance on issues like abortion.
• Women tend to vote Democratic because this party promotes women's opportunities in jobs, etc.
• Black and Hispanic voters tend to vote Democratic because the party addresses their needs and wants.
• European-American voting patterns vary due to factors like ancestral origins, education, and social issues.
• Asian-American voting patterns are split, around 50% for each party.

Linkage Institutions

• Linkage institutions connect individuals' preferences to policymakers.
• Linkage institutions connect people to the government.
• Media are often used to voice opinions.
• Common sources of political information are TV and media, including social media.
• Political parties articulate party platforms/goals, recruit candidates, and manage campaigns, including fundraising and media strategies.
• The electorate consists of all eligible and registered voters. (U.S. citizens, 18 years or older and not disqualified by law)
• Party campaigns coordinate candidate-centered activities.
• A party platform is developed every 4 years and articulated throughout the campaigns.

Public Policy

• Public policy consists of laws implemented to address public issues and achieve societal objectives.
• Obamacare is an example of public policy, aimed at health insurance reform by making it more affordable