Newt Gingrich had the most accurate and effective statement in Tuesday's CNN "debate" of 2012 GOP contenders when he reminded viewers that electing one President isn't going to solve anything -- it's having a working majority in Congress and the Senate that is aligned on the same philosophy that will actually effect change.
Voters get the idea that one person can just wave a wand and make things happen from movies and television whose function it is to tell compelling stories. One person being able to solve problems is much more interesting than the messy reality of process. Politicians don't help themselves when they campaign on the illusion that they alone can solve issues. (Cue music and grand sweeping vistas.)
The inevitable frustration that results in society is a further decline in participation. In 2010, the voting-eligible population in the U.S. was 41.6%. Elections are usually pretty evenly split between the major parties, so some 21-22% of us actually elect leaders. Those elected usually succumb to the idea that they have a mandate when they actually got a majority of the minority who care enough to participate.
Apathy is the lack of interest in something. How interesting is it for people who are working hard, raising children, and participating in life to go to the effort of voting when nothing seems to change? Add in that voting itself is more difficult than it should be. There is no consistent process to register and deadlines are often arbitrary. You have to find some random community center to stand in line. In a country whose entire economy is run electronically, there must be an accurate, safe and anonymous way for the entire eligible population to participate.
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