Introduction: Why Voting and Elections Matter in AP Gov
Voting and elections form the backbone of democracy. In AP U.S. Government and Politics (AP Gov), Unit 5 — Political Participation — emphasizes how citizens engage with government through voting, how elections are structured, and how institutions respond.
The College Board loves this unit because it brings together constitutional principles, Supreme Court cases, and political behaviors. On the exam, you can expect multiple-choice questions about suffrage amendments, as well as Free-Response Questions (FRQs) about voter turnout, the Electoral College, or campaign finance.
This guide will give you the essential facts on voting and elections you need to know for AP Gov — plus strategies, examples, and resources from RevisionDojo to help you prepare with confidence.
The Expansion of Voting Rights
Voting rights have expanded significantly since the founding of the U.S.
- 15th Amendment (1870): Prohibited racial discrimination in voting.
- 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote.
- 24th Amendment (1964): Banned poll taxes in federal elections.
- Voting Rights Act (1965): Eliminated literacy tests and strengthened enforcement.
- 26th Amendment (1971): Lowered the voting age to 18.
Exam Tip: Be ready to identify which constitutional amendments expanded suffrage.
Voter Turnout Trends
- The U.S. has lower voter turnout compared to other democracies.
- Presidential elections draw higher turnout than midterms.
- Local elections often see the lowest turnout.
- Factors that increase turnout: higher education, older age, strong party identification.
