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Understanding Sociology


Understanding Sociology

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Chapter 17: Conducting a Survey: Voter Apathy

When a democracy is as large as the United States, its citizens can sometimes forget that power in a democracy ultimately resides with the people. Indeed, without the participation of its citizens, a democracy cannot properly function. When citizens do not vote, the outcome of elections may or may not reflect the will of the majority.

Investigate voter apathy online at Policy.com at www.pbs.org/
newshour/extra/features/july-dec00/brokensystem.html
Then conduct a survey among your fellow seniors. You are all of voting age or are very close to it. What do your classmates think about voter apathy? How many who have had the opportunity to vote have done so? Do the others plan on voting? How important do seniors at your high school consider their right to vote? Share your results with the class.