Case Study: Political Participation by Age Voting and participating in the political process form the backbone of a functioning, legitimate democracy. A government depends on the messages sent by elections, and the involvement of its citizens and residents, to determine what actions and policies are needed by the community. Casting a ballot is probably the most foundational action in this context; it is theoretically available and accessible to all citizens and can have a direct and immediate impact on who governs. Voting, like other forms of participation, also demands that citizens have resources to participate in the political process. These resources, including time, money, knowledge, and connections, are not evenly distributed across the population, and can significantly vary by age. For example, based on the changing demands of life, work, and family, younger adults may have more time but less money, while middle-aged adults may have more money but less time. There are certain things that political scientists know about political behavior, such as the fact that voting tends to be a habit once a person starts voting, they continue to do so. People who have well-paid jobs and many community connections tend to be more able to participate in political processes. These may be reflected in patterns of political participation that show up in surveys and other studies. Likewise, self-reported voting tends to show up at higher rates than official measures of voter turnout, indicating a particular social desirability effect: people want to be known as voters, because voting is seen as the correct behavior. Citizens must also feel that their actions will have an impact in order to see value in participating or having a sense of personal efficacy. People who don't believe that their actions matter are much less likely to participate, as they might feel that such behavior is a waste of their time. Examine the graph and answer the accompanying questions. Political Participation by Age, 2016 100 80- 60- Percent 20 Case Study: Political Participation by Age across vie population, and carrigrimcancy vary wy age, rur examp, wascu F e Cangas demands of life, work, and family, younger adults may have more time but less money, while middle-aged adults may have more money but less time. There are certain things that political scientists know about political behavior, such as the fact that voting tends to be a habit once a person starts voting, they continue to do so. People who have well-paid jobs and many community connections tend to be more able to participate in political processes. These may be reflected in patterns of political participation that show up in surveys and other studies. Likewise, self-reported voting tends to show up at higher rates than official measures of voter turnout, indicating a particular social desirability effect: people want to be known as voters, because voting is seen as the correct behavior. Citizens must also feel that their actions will have an impact in order to see value in participating; or having a sense of personal efficacy. People who don't believe that their actions matter are much less likely to participate, as they might feel that such behavior is a waste of their time. Examine the graph and answer the accompanying questions. Political Participation by Age, 2016 100 80- 60 Percent 40- 20- Wore a button or put sticker on car Reported voting Tried to influence how others vote Attended local meeting Donated money Average External Efficacy Index Ages 41-56 Ages 18-25 Ages 57-73 Ages 26-40 Ages 74-87 Age 88 their ability Which of the following statements is true of voting behavior, based on the graph? (Check all that apply.) Less than half of people in the survey over the age of 88 reported voting. People age 18-25 were the least likely to have reported voting. Voting is the most commonly reported behavior across all age groups. People age 41-56 were least likely to report having voted. Among those 18-24 years old, which is the second-most commonly reported behavior? Attempting to influence how others vote Donating money Attending a political meeting Voting Which age group reports the highest levels of efficacy in this study? 18-24 88+ 57-73 41-56
