Primarily, American voters are intelligent individuals; yet, they prove to be quite abortive in learning the fundamentals of the United States political system. Jared Meyers, a journalist for Forbes magazine, interviewed Ilya Somin, a professor of law at George Mason University, to disclose, only about 34% of Americans are able to name the three branches of the federal government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial (par. 5). This vexing percentage exhibits how even the most underlying facts about the American government have yet to become engraved into the minds of their citizens. While many people believe this level of ignorance should be labeled as purely imbecilic, Somin clarifies, ignorance and stupidity are often conflated, but they are in fact two very different things. A smart person may still be ignorant about many things (par. 7). Consequently, this ignorance emits an abysmal outcome on the results of an election. Many voters are, in fact, astute citizens. However, they are not aware of the numerous laws and concepts used to define Americas political system.
Securing politically enriched voters in an election conveys the overall importance
of voting itself. The Annenberg Classroom presents how voting is only efficient when voters, read up on the issues and the candidates, while researching the ballot, as well, because it is your voice, with the many others, in unison, can change the direction of a community, state, nation, and even the world (Speaks Out, par. 3). Henceforth, casting votes during an election is, fulfilling the most basic action in a Democratic society. Voting is a fundamental process that keeps our system of government working (Speaks Out, par. ). In spite of this, Hattie Lindell, associated with the University of Texas, expresses, according to the 2008 US Census Bureauin, only forty-five percent of America is even voting in these elections, even though they could determine the fate of the country (par. 3). Voting is a crucial component to a functioning, well-oiled constitutional republic; therefore, it is not a surprise how America is now referred to something else entirely: an oligarchy. Americans are not only erroneously comprehending the significance of submitting their vote, but they are fruitless in their endeavors to make certain their vote is a cultivated one too.