Assignment
You should respond to all topics.
1. There are various reasons why voter turnout is lower in the United States than in many other countries. What do you think are the key reasons for low voter participation (for instance, how much does socioeconomic status matter in political participation?) How serious a problem do you consider low voter turnout to be for "the American democracy" and why? If you think it is a problem, make at least two suggestions for how voter participation could be increased in the U.S.
2. Discuss the reasons why the two-party system has been maintained in the U.S. and how it differs from the party systems of most European democracies. Include in your response a discussion of why "Third Parties" in the U.S. have been relatively unsuccessful and short-lived. Give an example of a political party that nominated a candidate for president and was unsuccessful.
3. Why do the two major parties in the U.S. "seek the center?"
How have presidential and congressional elections been affected by this strategy or lack of it? Give some examples of elections. Please cite elections.