USA - Political Participation

Question 1

Describe ways in which US citizens can participate in politics (8)

Answer 1

One way US citizens can participate in politics is by protesting. This means that they can profess what they believe in publicly. Evidence of this is the Black Lives Matter movement.

Another way US citizens can participate in politics is by contacting their elected representatives. This means that the representatives have a way to access the public’s opinions. Evidence of this is the az.gov (Arizona) page that you can contact these representatives through.

Another way US citizens can participate in politics by joining an interest group. This means that they can put pressure on the government to create or change laws for their cause. Evidence of this is the NRA (National Rifle Association)

Question 2

Describe what groups may be less likely to participate in politics (8)

Answer 2

One group that’s less likely to participate in politics is uneducated people because of a lack of higher education. This means that they are less likely to understand the importance of the political system. Evidence of this is that 33% of those without college degrees weren’t planning to vote in the 2024 presidential election. (Statista)

One group that’s less likely to participate in politics Is young people. This means that the youth are less likely to understand the importance of their vote. Evidence of this is that less than 40% of people aged 18-29 voted in the 2016 presidential election. (circle.tufts)

One group that’s less likely to participate in politics is ethnic minorities because of their lack of representation. This means that ethnic minorities aren’t very well represented in house of Congress and the House of Representatives compared to white Americans. Evidence of this is that only 25% of the 118th Congress is made up of ethnic minorities. (Pew research)

Question 3

Describe what groups may be more likely to participate in politics (8)

Answer 3

One reason people may be more likely to participate as because they have good representation. This means that white people have better representation in Congress than any other racial group evidence of this is that 75% of The 118th Congress in white. (Pew research)

Another reason people may be more likely to participate because they have a better education. This means that older those with higher education have a better understanding of the importance of politics and voting. Evidence of this is 91% of those with a college degree said they were definitely voting in the 2024 presidential election. (Statista)

Another reason people may be more likely to vote as how old they are. This means that older people grew up after World War II and so they are more likely to vote as they know the importance of freedom and democracy. Evidence of this is over 75% of those aged 65-74 voted in the 2020 presidential election. (Census.gov)