The American Revolution caused a division between the British government and the colonies. The American colonists claimed that they were not represented in Parliament, so Parliament had no right to tax them. This issue was the source of the well-known phrase “taxation without representation.”

During much of the 1900s and early 2000s, voter participation was low. For example, under 50% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the 1996 presidential election. There is concern about elections with low voter turnout, particularly regarding how only people who vote are represented by the government. Why do you think voter participation was so low during much of this time? Do you think Americans still believe that it is important to be represented in government? Why or why not?

Question

The American Revolution caused a division between the British government and the colonies. The American colonists claimed that they were not represented in Parliament, so Parliament had no right to tax them. This issue was the source of the well-known phrase “taxation without representation.”

During much of the 1900s and early 2000s, voter participation was low. For example, under 50% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the 1996 presidential election. There is concern about elections with low voter turnout, particularly regarding how only people who vote are represented by the government. Why do you think voter participation was so low during much of this time? Do you think Americans still believe that it is important to be represented in government? Why or why not?