1. Read Bush v. Gore in the text. Do you agree with the majority or the dissenting opinion? Why?
I would have to say that I agree with the majority. I feel as though states could find some way to go behind the federal government's back in order for the candidate they favor to win. I think the federal government should keep track of all of the election machinery and make sure it is in great working condition and then send it all off to the states. It's important for the federal government to be consistent with each individual state election process.
2. Is the ability to fundraise too important in elections? In other words, are good candidates prevented from running because they cannot raise the needed funds? Can/should something be done to correct this if it is a problem?
I absolutely think that the ability to fund raise is too important in elections. I think that Ralph Nader would be a phenomenal president, he just doesn't have enough financial support. I think it is very sad that the candidate who can raise the most money is, more times than not, the winner. For example, the amount of money that Obama received from Oprah Winfrey is completely unfair and he had the upper hand because of money he received.
3. Why is there such voter apathy - in other words, why is there often such low voter turnout for elections? Is there a way to rectify this problem?
I think that not enough people care about politics. I asked several people in the younger generation (current middle schoolers and high schoolers) about their opinion on politics and you'd be surprised how many said "I do not really care." I don't think enough schools are teaching the importance of voting and being involved in the local and federal community. I think if more teachers and parents educated their younger peers on politics, there could be a major difference in turnout once they're older enough to vote.
Commented on:
1. Cassandra Kunsman
2. Nathan Tollett
3. Donna Spradlin
I agree that good candidates don't get to run or elected, because of funding. Funding is important. I also believe it is always good to be an issue. Some candidates just can't get the money, because they are not as popular or they don't get the help they need. I think something should change, but I don't it can be changed.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think about schools affecting voter outcomes. However, this is true. When I was in middle school and high school, I didn't really care about politics. I kinda knew what was going on but I didn't care to learn more and educate myself. I think voter turnouts would be higher if schools stressed the importance of voting and getting involved in the government.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest with you before this last presidential election I didnt really care either. I kind of felt like my one vote didnt really matter so whats the point but the more I learn about politics the more I realize that people feel that way and there could really be a change if everone would come together and actually do it. I comp;letely agree with you about the money its sad that people out there that could really make a difference cant get a chance to just because they cant find the funds to do so.
ReplyDeleteI agree that many possibly great candidates do not have the opportunity to run in an election because of lack of funding I also believe that it would be a very hard problem to resolve. Some candidates just are not able to find the funding or the lack the backing of others to run for office.
ReplyDelete