For Class on 2/26: Participation at the 2008 Election

This week we are starting to look at political behavior, which includes many of the ways that citizens actively or passively interact with their government. The most obvious form of political participation is voting, although, as you will read, it is far from the only form of participation. I would like to take a look at the 2008 election results to start to get a sense about what it might mean in terms of how we were feeling and in November and what that means for us today.

First let's look at how the overall voter turnout in 2008 compares to other presidential elections since 1948. I suggest reading along the side to understand the difference between the Voting Age Population (VAP), and the Voting Eligible Population (VEP). You can get more detailed state by state information at the bottom of that page or by clicking here, Can you guess which state had the highest voter turnout?

Next lets look at how various groups across the nation voted. The most accurate measures of this come from exit polls taken from people who just left the voting booth. Some different looks at this are available here, or here.

Finally it is important to remember what issues each ticket campaigned on. Skimming through this page from CNN can help remind you.

After looking at this information what do you think it suggests about what people were looking for in November 2008? Do you think they are still looking for the same things? Do you think that the government is responding to the goals, wishes, or needs of the people?

For Class on 2/19: Important Political Issues

For the blog this week we are going to take a step back from the class reading and look at the major issues that have dominated recent political headlines. The president and Congress have many issues that they are dealing with along with gearing up (already!) for the 2010 mid term elections in November. Whether they successfully address the issues most important to Americans could go a long way in changing how people feel about their government and how politicians will fare in upcoming elections.

Start by taking a survey similar to those conducted by polling companies and news organizations regarding what issues are most important to you. you can find the survey here.

Next take a look at how your responses and the responses of your classmates compare to national polls here

Then please post a comment describing your reactions. you can use any or all of the following prompts as a starting point if you wish.

1. Choose one of the items you listed as extremely important and explain why.
2. Choose one of the items you did not think was very important and explain why.
3. Draw connections between these issues, the roll of the national government and the issues of trust, knowledge, and efficacy discussed last week.