Graduate student Rachel Reinhard explores the African American struggle to realize voting rights in Mississippi during and following the Civil Rights Movement.

Voter participation in presidential elections soared from just over 20 percent in 1824 to over 80 percent in 1840. It stayed near 80 percent until the early 1900s and then plummeted to between 50 and 60 percent for most of the 20th century. Compared to its peer nations, American voter turnout sits at the bottom of the list, with other nations consistently seeing voter participation at or over 80 percent. Professor Paul Martin of the University of Virginia explains why citizen involvement in electoral campaigns has changed so much in the United States over the past, why U.S. voter participation is so low compared to peer nations, and offers parting thoughts on why low citizen participation matters and why the 2008 presidential election might see an increase in voter involvement.

Eric Foner of Columbia University describes the role of politics in antebellum U.S. culture, focusing on its role as popular culture and entertainment.

To view this clip, select "19th-Century American Political Culture" under "Political Development Video."

Professor Lance Robinson explores Theodore Roosevelt's political progressive beliefs, especially on voting reform and direct democracy. He also looks at the writings of progressive author Herbert Croly.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session nine, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.