Political Participation in the United States analyzes patterns of political participation by citizens and offers five different explanations for those patterns based on recent research findings.

Symbolic and instrumental forms of participation are analyzed—from the simple act of discussing politics to the more complex one of running for office. The book examines who participates, what forms of participation they choose, and what they hope to accomplish. M. Margaret Conway also considers the reasons for, and the consequences of, non-participation. She concludes with a discussion of the impact of participation on individuals and on the policies and processes of government in the United States.

This new third edition is updated throughout both in its discussion of research about participation, and its examination of participation patterns (through the 1998 elections). Expanded discussions cover: the role of political mobilization in recruiting people to participate; the impact of relative education levels on the types of participation people engage in; and the importance of social connectedness in stimulating participation and acting as a channel for political recruitment.

Political Participation in the United States analyzes patterns of political participation by citizens and offers five different explanations for those patterns based on recent research findings.

Symbolic and instrumental forms of participation are analyzed—from the simple act of discussing politics to the more complex one of running for office. The book examines who participates, what forms of participation they choose, and what they hope to accomplish. M. Margaret Conway also considers the reasons for, and the consequences of, non-participation. She concludes with a discussion of the impact of participation on individuals and on the policies and processes of government in the United States.

This new third edition is updated throughout both in its discussion of research about participation, and its examination of participation patterns (through the 1998 elections). Expanded discussions cover: the role of political mobilization in recruiting people to participate; the impact of relative education levels on the types of participation people engage in; and the importance of social connectedness in stimulating participation and acting as a channel for political recruitment.

CQ Press is pleased to comply with the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Please email heoacompliance@cqpress.com for additional information that may be available. Be sure to include your name, contact information, academic affiliation, and the title, author, and edition of the book in question.

Contact us at collegesales@cqpress.com if we may assist you in your book selection or if you have feedback to share. Thank you for your consideration of CQ Press books.

1. Introduction

2. Social Characteristics and Patterns of Political Participation

3. The Psychology of Political Participation

4. The Political Environment and Political Participation

5. The Legal Structure and Political Participation

6. The Rationality of Political Participation

7. Explanations of Patterns of Participation

8. Does Political Participation Make a Difference?

Appendix

M. Margaret Conway is Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Florida. Among her publications are Political Participation in the United States, Third Edition (2000), The Politics of Asian American (2004), and Women and Political Participation, Second Edition (2005) and Women and Public Policy, Third Edition (2005), on which she is coauthor. She has published widely in academic journals, including the American Political Science Review, Journal of Politics, andWomen and Politics.