Why do more people vote--or get involved in other civic and political activities--in some communities than in others? Why We Vote demonstrates that our communities shape our civic and political engagement, and that schools are especially significant communities for fostering strong civic norms. Much of the research on political participation has found that levels of participation are higher in diverse communities where issues important to voters are hotly contested. In this well-argued book, David Campbell finds support for this view, but also shows that homogenous communities often have very high levels of civic participation despite a lack of political conflict. Campbell maintains that this sense of civic duty springs not only from one's current social environment, but also from one's early influences. The degree to which people feel a sense of civic obligation stems, in part, from their adolescent experience. Being raised and thus socialized in a community with strong civic norms leads people to be civically engaged in adulthood. Campbell demonstrates how the civic norms within one's high school impact individuals' civic involvement--even a decade and a half after those individuals have graduated. Efforts within America's high schools to enhance young people's sense of civic responsibility could have a participatory payoff in years to come, the book concludes; thus schools would do well to focus more attention on building civic norms among their students.

'Examines the religious affiliations of voters and party elites and evaluates the claim that moral values were decisive in the 2004 election. Analyzes strategies used to mobilize religious conservatives and examines the voting behavior of a broad range of groups, including evangelicals, African Americans, and the religious left'--Provided by publisher.

'Documents how recent trends in civic engagement have been shaped by political institutions and public policies and recommends ways to increase the amount, quality, and distribution of civic engagement, focusing on elections, the metropolis, and the nonprofit sector and philanthropy'--Provided by publisher.

Product Description: This review of the furious national debate over school choice examines the benefits of choice for children, families, and schools—and shows how properly designed choice programs can prevent the harmful outcomes opponents fear. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

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