Context of Policymaking: Political Inequality

1
Context of Policymaking Political Inequality

• What is political equality?
• Equal influence on policy? On representatives?
• Equality via interest groups, participation?
• Is political equality important?
• Democracy involves assumption of political
  quality
• Better governance results when more people are
  involved
• Greater legitimacy when people have a voice

2
Do we have a problem with political inequality?

• Voter Turnout?
• Low compared to other countries
• Unequal-Some groups turn out less
• We could take some measures to ease registration
  laws and probably significantly improve turnout
• Similar patterns of unequal participation for
  other measures (gave money, contacted an
  official, persuaded others, etc.)

3
Causes of Inequality

• Socialization (public schools, family etc)
• Resources for organizing
• General influence of wealthy, deference to
  wealthy (wealth breeds wealth)