In an essay of 4 to 6 pages (1,000 to 1,500 words), please answer the following question by July 14 (5 pm). I expect you to write your essay based on the readings identified below each essay, on class forums, and on lectures and other video materials presented on the web site. I do not expect you to supplement these sources with outside research. I also expect you to provide appropriate citations to your sources. If this is the text, you should use parenthetical endnoting with specific page references (e.g. Ginsberg, et. al. 2014: 41). If you are citing a lecture, you should provide the lecture number. Videos should be named using the title from the web page. Please cite forum posts by the author’s name and the date of the post.

Analytical Essay #2

Voter turnout in Presidential elections declined through much of the 20th Century. Voter turnout in midterm elections – such as the 2014 elections – is considerably lower than in Presidential election years.

In an essay, describe the roles that political parties and interest groups play in mobilizing electoral participation in contemporary U.S. society and assess how individual characteristics of voters (such as socioeconomic status), political socialization, electoral laws, and electoral rules influence voting likelihood.

Readings that you should consult to answer this question: Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, Tolbert, and Spitzer, chapters 4-8.

Due Date: July 14, 5 pm