Quantitative analysis
Who takes part, and how
- Unit 3
- 5 points
- About 20 minutes
You read data in a table, graph, map or infographic, describe it and a pattern in it, draw a conclusion using a course concept, and explain what the data shows about politics. On the exam: Question 2 of 4 in the free-response section (1 hour 30 minutes for all four, 50% of your score; this question is 12.5%).
The question and its sources
Use the data to answer parts A, B, C, D, and E. The table shows invented survey results for a fictional democracy, Country X.
Share of Adults Reporting Each Activity in the Past 12 Months, by Age Group, Country X
| Age group | Voted in the most recent national election (%) | Signed a petition, online or on paper (%) | Took part in a lawful protest (%) | Contacted an elected official (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–29 | 46 | 38 | 14 | 6 |
| 30–49 | 61 | 29 | 8 | 10 |
| 50–64 | 72 | 22 | 5 | 14 |
| 65 and older | 79 | 15 | 3 | 17 |
Source: Hypothetical data
Suggested time: 20 minutes
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Part (a)
1 pointUsing the data in the table, identify the age group most likely to have taken part in a lawful protest.
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Part (b)
1 pointUsing the data in the table, describe how participation in voting compares with participation in petitions and protests across age groups.
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Part (c)
1 pointDescribe one difference between voting and protesting as forms of political participation.
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Part (d)
1 pointUsing the data in the table, draw a conclusion about which age group's policy preferences elected officials in Country X are likely to give the most weight to.
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Part (e)
1 pointExplain why a survey like this one, if conducted in an authoritarian regime, might not accurately measure political participation.
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