PS 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Campaign Finance Reform In The United States, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, Negative Campaigning

• School: Oakland University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: PS 100
• Professor: Towner

Document Summary

America is a representative democracy, but actually representing all citizens wants and needs is not possible. Delegation of authority raises the possibility of agency loss, that is, representatives serving themselves and not their constituents. Regular, free, and competitive elections in which all adult citizens can vote are a hallmark of modern democratic governments. Suffrage for blacks not universal until the voting rights act of 1965. The right to vote is the essence of democracy. The answer is inherent in the logic of elections. The benefits of elections are collective benefits. In other words, everyone gets the payoff without participating. The real puzzle is why so many forego free riding and actually vote. From 1964 to 2012, turnout declined from 69% to 57% (vap) Indeed, an increase in 2004 (58%) and 2008 (58%), but a decrease in 2012 (56%) (vap) In 2014, lowest turnout in 72 years: 36% voted (vep)