AP Government
Reading/Study Guide 8.2
Ms. Ballman
Ch. 8.2. PP. 184- 195
Be sure to read the “Who Governs” and “To What Ends” sections at the beginning of each chapter.
1.
Examine Figure 8.2 and read the first paragraph on page 184. Describe the trend in voter turnout from 1860 to 2004.
2.
Define Australian ballot.
3.
What does the author say would have happened if votes had been legally cast and honestly counted in the nineteenth century?
4.
What are some reasons turnout probably did decline somewhat after the 1890s?
5.
What changes were made after the vote count in Florida in 2000?
6.
What is the alternative theory to a drop in voter turnout?
7.
What is the VAP?
8.
What is the VEP?
9.
What has happened to national voter turnout as calculated by the VEP?
10.
Would universal turnout change national election outcomes and the content of public policy? Explain.
11.
What is the most common form of political participation?
12.
What is the least common?
13.
Describe the typical “inactives” who make up 1/5 of the population
14.
What is an activist?
15.
Describe a typical activist.
16.
What are the four categories of limited participation?
17.
Identify some of the causes of participation.
18.
GO to the summary, p. 195. Read the summary to be sure you understand the factors that affect the voting turnout. Read “Reconsidering Who Governs;” Who votes and who doesn’t?
19.
Reconsidering to What Ends: How did the Framers think the average citizen should participate in America’s representative democracy?
20.
If trends continue, what will happen on Election Day 2020?
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