Treynor Wolfe

The Sociological model uses social class to be the most accurate indicator of
voting intentions. The Socio-Psychological model explains vote choice for
individuals, as opposed to a group. The Rational Choice model argues that people
will vote if the benefits outweigh the costs.
Voter turnout in America can best be described as using the SocioPsychological model. Individuals that are informed enough vote according to their
own beliefs in America. Social class doesnt really indicate voting behavior, because
regional politics and parental political beliefs are part of the issue as well. Although
upbringing and income are important factors in shaping a persons beliefs, it doesnt
provide the whole picture.
The Rational Choice model would only hold true if all Americans were well
informed about politics to make the rational choice. But to many Americans, the
cost of being informed is too high, and doesnt make the benefit any better. Rational
choice is ideally the best model to strive for, as a more informed public means that
politicians have to be accountable.
In order to make this rational choice better for Americans, we must remove
the primary system. The Primary system is paid for by most tax payers, but doesnt
represent voters very well. The primary system benefits both of the major parties
more than the American people. Under the current system, the 47% of Americans
that arent registered for either party cannot vote for the two candidates that run in
the General election since they arent party members that can vote in Primaries.
When it comes time for the General election, Americans that dont feel either party

represents them must make a choice between the two parties, selecting candidates
they didnt support in the primaries. Removing this system and having a system
where Americans vote for candidates and not parties.