|
ADP Home What is the American Democracy Project? Why is ADP Important? What are ADP Values? ADP Mission at Ferris State University FSU ADP Council Members Archive of Ferris Documents Links of Interest Contact Ferris ADP Related Ferris Projects Political Engagement Project Service Learning Programs |
Why is ADP Important?Near the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln saw a democracy falling apart – Southern states had seceded from the nation and there were anti-draft riots in Northern States. After one of the deadliest battles of the war occurred at Gettysburg, President Lincoln pleaded with American citizens . . . "that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth." More than 140 years later, many community and academic leaders again feel the need to plead with American youth to assume their civic responsibilities and participate in democratic processes. In 1972 when the right to vote was first granted to 18-year-olds, 52.1% of 18 – 24 year olds voted in that presidential election, compared to 68.4% of citizens over 25. Since then, youth voting has declined in every presidential election to a low point of 36.1% in 2000, while voting rates among citizens over 25 have remained relatively constant. Even though youth voting increased in the 2004 presidential election, young adults today appear to be less involved in their democracy than young adults of previous generations. |
