Political Participation

III. Methods of Participation

1. Conventional Participation: the use of established institutions of representative government, especially campaigning for candidates and voting in elections.


1. voting, contributing money and working in campaigns.
2. writing letters to public officials, newspapers, and companies.
3. signing petitions, joining boycotts of advertisers.


2. Unconventional Participation: challenges or defies established institutions or the dominant culture.


1. participating in strikes (usually by labor unions).
2. demonstrations, picketing.
3. non-violent civil disobedience.
4. violence


3. Participation through Voting


1. direct primary: an election used to nominate candidates for the general election.


1. closed
2. open
3. blanket
4. non-partisan


2. Types of Primary Elections in the States




3. referendum: direct vote by the people on either a law proposed or amendment to the state constitution. In most states, referenda are usually placed on the ballot by the legislature not voters.
4. Propositions: The measure subject to popular vote
5. Initiative: a procedure (usually circulating petitions) by which the people can propose an issue to be decided by the legislalture or by the people in a referendum.