ap lang synthesis voting age

What is the 'trickle up' theory?

• Building a habit early will lead to an inclination to sustain that habit

• Relating to social hierarchies

• Economic theory

• Fashion trend

Answer explanation

In essence, the 'trickle-up' theory is used in the case of voter turnout. The theory states that beginning the voting process early will inherently lead to more voter turnout in the future. With our country being founded on the ideals of democracy, increasing voter turnout is one of our top priorities as a nation.

At what age does the human brain fully develop?

• 16

• 18

• 25

• 21

Answer explanation

Science has shown that the human brain doesn't fully develop until the age of 25. This means that maximum cognitive ability isn't reached until 7 years after the current voting age, therefore it's irresponsible to even let 18-year-olds vote, nevertheless lower the voting age.

At what age does the human brain begin regression?

• 25

• 30

• 45

• 65

Answer explanation

Although it is a fact that the brain doesn't fully develop until 25, it's also a fact that it begins regressing at age 30. This then begs the question, should we allow people to vote after age 30? If it's irresponsible to allow 'underdeveloped' brains to influence political decisions, basic logic dictates that the same must be true after the point of regression.

16 year olds are taxed in the United States

• True

• False

Answer explanation

16 year olds in a certain income bracket are eligible to be taxed, leading some to believe that they should be allowed to vote. The argument is that they're directly impacted by government policies, therefore they should have some say on the laws themselves.

What age group is going to be most affected by political policies in the future?

• Young people

• Old people

Answer explanation

Young people! It's an objective viewpoint that young people are going to be more heavily impacted by the effects of these governmental policies in the future, as they're simply going to be on the planet longer. By virtue of this fact, some argue that it's irresponsible NOT to let young people vote, as their future is being decided without them.

Cast your vote!

• Lower the voting age to 16

• Keep the current voting age of 18

• Raise the voting age to 25

• Change the voting age to something not listed