Authors: Lipset
Summary: In about 4000 words, this entry defines political participation, distinguishes between conventional and unconventional forms of participation, analyzes voting behavior in a comparative context, and considers the electoral system and voter turnout and their implications.
The entry defines political participation as the opportunity for citizen involvement in the political process, and emphasizes its necessity for democracy. Voting is the most common, visible and conventional form of political participation. Unconventional forms can be illegal, and examples include boycotts and demonstrations.
The right to vote, or suffrage, is the most basic form of democratic participation. Widespread male suffrage did not become common until the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and female suffrage came even later--not until 1971 in Switzerland. Voter turnout differs tremendously from one democracy to another. The United States and Switzerland have the lowest participation rates while Australia, Sweden, Austria and New Zealand consistently have the highest.
The entry distinguishes between the right to participate and the range of that participation. Range is a function of four factors: the type of office up for election, the level of government involved, election frequency and the number of issues up for decision. The entry discusses each of these factors and draws comparisons from a variety of countries. The electoral system itself and the competitiveness between political parties also effects participation rates--more competition leads to higher voter turnout. Participation rates are also dependent upon the social characteristics and political attitudes of voters.
In conclusion, the entry explores whether or not high voter turnout is desirable. Germany's experience under Hitler is detailed, and provides a stark example of how suddenly increased voter turnout can lead to tragedy. Current events in Eastern Europe will provide a new wealth of data for those who study political participation.