INTA 1200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Voter Registration In The United States, National Voter Registration Act Of 1993, Early Voting
23 Sep 2017
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Explain the function of elections, both as intended by the founders and in practice. Selection of leaders: doubts that cannot trust average citizen to make wise choices in voting booth, elections ensure most popular candidate will win not necessarily the wisest, most capable leader that were scared away from running. Policy direction: at state level, people can make policy directly through initiatives and referenda but not at the national level, voice of public is muted and modulated. Citizen development: theorists believe that citizens feel fulfilled and effective when they actively participate in government and elections, political efficacy ~ citizens" feelings of effectiveness in political affairs. Informing the public: elections are ideally times of deliberation when alternative points of view are aired openly so that citizenry can judge truth and desirability of competing claims and competence of competing candidates and parties. Containing conflict: elections help us influence politics but they also limit our options for political influence.
