AP Gov/Econ questions

Question

a)What historical, social, political situation might account for the decline in voter turnout between 1916 and 1920? Explain your answer.

b)What historical, social, political situation might account for the decline in voter turnout between 1968 and 1988? Explain your answer.

c)What historical, social, political situation might account for the decline in voter turnout between 2000 and 2008? Explain your answer.

d)What institutional barriers that are part of our current election systems might decrease voter turnout? Explain how and why.

Answer 1

a) Decline in voter turnout between 1916 and 1920

One major factor was World War I and its aftermath. By 1920, Americans were experiencing war fatigue and disillusionment with President Wilson’s international agenda, especially the failed League of Nations effort. Political exhaustion reduced enthusiasm for participation.

Additionally, the 1918 influenza pandemic disrupted civic life and weakened political mobilization networks, making participation more difficult and less prioritized. Together, war fatigue and social disruption contributed to lower turnout.

b) Decline in voter turnout between 1968 and 1988

The 1968 election occurred during intense national crisis — the Vietnam War, civil rights unrest, and political assassinations — which heightened political engagement and boosted turnout.

Afterward, Watergate (1974) significantly damaged public trust in government. Political cynicism and declining confidence in institutions throughout the 1970s and 1980s reduced voter motivation. When citizens believe government is corrupt or unresponsive, they are less likely to participate.

c) Decline in voter turnout between 2000 and 2008

The 2000 election controversy (Bush v. Gore) undermined public confidence in the fairness of elections. Disputed ballots and Supreme Court intervention created skepticism about whether votes truly determine outcomes.

In addition, prolonged military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan contributed to voter fatigue and disengagement in the mid-2000s. Lower trust and reduced enthusiasm contributed to decreased turnout before the surge in 2008.

d) Institutional barriers that decrease voter turnout

Several institutional features of the U.S. electoral system reduce turnout:

• Voter registration requirements increase the cost of participation because citizens must take proactive steps before Election Day.

• Strict voter ID laws can limit access for individuals without required documentation.

• Tuesday elections create scheduling conflicts for working voters.

• Limited polling access or long wait times increase participation costs.

• Gerrymandered districts may reduce perceived competitiveness, lowering voter motivation.

These institutional barriers decrease turnout because political participation increases when costs are low and decreases when costs are high.

Answer 2

The US has kept large numbers of its population from voting for most of its history. It began with the creation of the Constitution when the right to vote was left out because the founding fathers believed voting to be a privilege for the wealthy and educated. First white male suffrage was granted, then voting age restrictions were lowered, and black men, then women were given protections from voting discrimination.

Voter turnout didn't drop so much as the eligible voter pool became larger after voting reforms, the 15th, and 19th amendments. After the passing of the 15th Amendment, the South reacted with the resurgence of voter suppression laws that would remain for decades.

After 1960 voting turnout decreased due to a myriad of factors including the generational replacement theory; The theory that the civic-minded citizens living through the Great Depression and WWII were replaced by Gen X who hadn't had a unifying social disaster to keep them mindful of their government.

Political races have become less competitive over time which hurts participation. As money has played a larger and larger role in campaigns, the process has become less democratic, disillusioning many Americans in the early 21st century. In 2002 98 percent of incumbent House members were reelected, most with little or no competition. By comparison, the US House races are less competitive, by a large margin, than any other democratic legislature in the world. The 2002 election revealed that the trend of uncontested elections which suffice to say discourages citizens from voting at all.

States are in charge of running their own elections and there is a strong party incentive to controlling the voter pool. Many states still use poll tests, voter purges, and gerrymandering to control the electorate.

A brief explanation of some of the more significant reasons for the decline in voter turnout. For more about the decline of voting in the US, read The Vanishing Voter: Why Are the Voting Booths So Empty?

by THOMAS PATTERSON