A political science researcher analyzes voter data showing that citizens aged 65 and older consistently vote at a rate approximately 20 to 30 percentage points higher than citizens aged 18 to 29 in midterm elections. Which of the following is the most direct political consequence of this demographic difference in voter turnout?
- APolitical parties concentrate their recruitment efforts exclusively on younger generations because political socialization indicates that party affiliation remains highly fluid throughout a person's life cycle.
- Political candidates and elected officials are more likely to focus their campaigns and policy platforms on issues that appeal to older voters, such as safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.Answer
- CYounger voters rely primarily on prospective voting models to make their choices, whereas older voters base their decisions strictly on rational-choice voting theory.
- DThe federal government has responded by passing constitutional amendments that lower the voting age to encourage greater participation among younger cohorts.
Answer
Political candidates and elected officials are more likely to focus their campaigns and policy platforms on issues that appeal to older voters, such as safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.
Because older voters turn out at much higher rates than younger voters, they form a more reliable block of the active electorate. Consequently, political candidates and officeholders have a strong incentive to design platforms and pass laws that address the concerns of older citizens, such as safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, to win and retain their offices.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The political consequence of demographic variations in voter turnout
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