Democracy is the ability to have a voice in government, but not a direct voice. This indirect voice is best represented by those leaders who are deemed best suited. So how do Americans make their voices heard? ? The answer is simple, and it involves voting and political participation. The right to vote lasted a long time, in the 1800s only land-owning white men were allowed to vote. Over time, with the demand for change, black people were allowed to vote and slowly so. but women were surely allowed to vote. Currently, in the United States of America, to vote you must be 18 years or older and a United States citizen. This essay will explore the privilege of voting, why voters tend to vote and why not, and whether voting can be considered rational. The right to vote does not mean the necessity to vote. Whether it is a presidential election or a small town election, the concept behind any election is to represent democracy. Voting allows the voice of the people to choose who will represent their government. Often, the problem of adverse selection arises when the voter does not have enough information, making it difficult for the voter to choose the best representative. Another problem that makes it difficult for voters to want to vote would be the problem of moral hazard. A good example of moral hazard would be the Watergate scandal of 1972. During this time, the United States was at war with Vitenam and all hopes and beliefs rested on President Nixon. The Vitenam War was a war that confused many Americans, and because of this confusion, Nixon was looked to for guidance and understanding. He was re-elected in 1972 with 97 percent of the electoral vote. The American people wanted the troops out of Vietnam and Nixon promised to "withdraw all American troops within 90 days... ... middle of paper ...... are supported by this vote. In 2001, President George Bush favored the top 1 percent of earners by granting tax cuts, "polling data showed that millions of middle- and lower-middle-class Americans are still in favor of tax cuts, even if those cuts did not benefit them” (Lowi 421). Middle and lower class voters lacked understanding and knowledge when they supported tax cuts for the rich. in 2001. It is this lack of knowledge that Professor Larry Bartel It is "misplaced self-interest. In short, voting is rational if it is an educated vote Having the right. , voting expresses the idea of ​​democracy However, true and effective democracy is one where the voter is educated and aware of present situations and other possible outcomes. becomes clear in which areas voting for some could be considered rational..