Identify two explinations that are particulary relevent for low voter Essay

Identify two explinations that are particulary relevent for low voter turnout in local elections as compared to national elections - Essay Example Current research has shown that one of the most critical reasons for lower voter turnout in local elections as compared to national elections is election timing. Hajnal and Lewis (2003) believe that scheduling local elections at the same time as statewide primaries or general elections would immediately increase number of votes cast in the local elections, because national elections historically have higher voter turnout (Hajnal and Lewis, 2003). The reason for this increase, as Hajnal and Lewis (2003) explain, is that it would be very convenient for voter to have just one day of elections, where they would have to check a few more names on their local election lists in addition to national election lists. Naturally, it makes sense. The voters would have to take less time out of their busy schedules to commute to the election sites. Besides, single election day requires less planning and organization on the part of the voters, and thus it becomes more convenient. Another reason for lower turnout in local elections is the limitation of the local government in terms of its service delivery arrangements as identified by Hajnal and Lewis (2003). A lot of local governments contract out the city services. For example, city councils will contract with county governments to provide the services for the city. This practice has a lot of advantages, such as more efficient and more cost-effective service delivery. However, at the same time this practice has its negative effects, especially when it comes to local elections. It reduces the power of local officials, such as their ability to provide and control local jobs. As a result, reduced power leads to reduced interests in local officials and local governance overall during the local elections. Thus, voter turnout in local elections can be increased by scheduling the local elections at the same time as national elections, and by providing more power to local officials. These steps would increase public

TMOQ Mid Term Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

TMOQ Mid Term - Essay Example The Americans were too busy focusing on American-Diem relationship but failed to read the ground level situation, which was so much about political and social unrest. The military in association with the Diem regime miscalculated proceedings and was caught totally unawares with the preparedness of the Guerillas. The war ended in total distress not only for the Vietnamese but also for the young Americans posted along the border line for several of the inexplicable moves by the government. The lesson is that a dynasty must move out, once the motto or the goal is substantially achieved; elongated presence could end up being detrimental, however big a power you are. The rage of being suppressed kept growing under Diem’s regime and the US government was also in the favor of the rulers; it supported South Vietnam in order to prevail its fall to communism. Diem and the Nhus were Catholic, where as most Vietnamese were Buddhists. Despite the Government’s resistance and opposition, more and more Vietnamese got attracted to Buddhism, leaving a sore point between the government and general public. All this happened, even though there was complete abandon on emergence of an opposition party by the government. Buddhists wanted to fly their flag on 2,587th birthday of Buddha but the Diem government not just prohibited it but also took an offensive action against the Buddhist demonstrators. The movement witnessed killing of nine demonstrators but the government never showed any indemnity or took up the responsibility despite the U. S. Ambassador William Trueheart request. Even though the government banned demonstrations; this made sure that the Buddhists crisis began to become revolutionary. The elusive question since the occurrence of the mass movement in Vietnam remains unanswered as there have been several versions from various critiques about the right and the wrong. In my opinion, the government could be said to acting unjustifiably at