In the creation of our government, we the people of the United States of America have voluntarily handed over a percentage of our rights in exchange for protection and pieces of legitimacy. As a result of this give-and-take between the population and government, the leader of our democracy implements a form of justice known as the social contract. Through this agreement citizens enter a civil society for their mutual preservation. While the social contract is designed to be a representation of all, there are various factors that can impact the agreement. In particular, the significance of voter turnout has an influence on the success of the social contract.
In our American political system, elections serve a vital role in the function of our government. Living in a democratic nation, citizens are able to exercise their civic duty and participate in elections that will ultimately impact the strength of a democracy. While voting is a constitutional right, it is also a privilege. If and when there is a low election turnout, specifically less than 50% among an eligible population, there are various factors that contribute to the low percentage of casted ballots. Additionally, due to the differences in procedure, structure, and restrictions for voting, election administration varies among each state. Due to these variations enacted by states, citizens that are eligible to vote encounter issues that impact the percentage of voter turnout. In order for citizens to gain authority over government they must vote in the interest of the people rather than individual benefits. Furthermore, political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau addresses the concept of general will and the influence it has on the legitimacy of government.
Founded on the principles of citizen participation, the United States partakes in a system of government known as a representative democracy. Within our democracy eligible citizens participate in elections to select an elected official on a federal, state, and local level. In order for our government to be a representation of the people we must do our part as citizens and demonstrate our will through the election process. If there is a low election turnout (less than 50%) among an eligible population we as a society cannot expect to be represented as anticipated. Through the decline in voter turnout misrepresentation of the general is will is likely the outcome. As citizens of the United States living under government policies we all abide by the social contract. Through this fundamental agreement the social contract provides a framework for the interaction between the people and government.
While the social contract provides several benefits to each side of the agreement, it is only legitimate to the extent that each party fulfills their portion. As citizens we are expected to participate in elections, however there are significant obstacles that interfere with voter turnout. Although voting is not mandatory in the United States, it is a fundamental duty as a citizen to carry out that part of the social contract. Essentially, if less than 50% among an eligible population vote, the overall outcome is controlled by the minority of the population rather than the majority. Ultimately, the purpose behind the significance of high voter turnout is because of legitimacy. In regards to each outcome, high voter turnout demonstrates a democracy’s strength and society’s general will. Similarly, low voter turnout puts the legitimacy of government into question. Due to the impact of low voter turnout, the election result does not mirror the favored outcome for the population as a whole. In addition to the impact low voter turnout has on the government, it is important to highlight key factors that can prevent an eligible citizen to vote.
In order to analyze the theory of social contract in the best way possible one must first understand the abstract nature of the government’s legitimacy. Although the social contract theory has transformed over time, each theory had great influence during the period in which they were declared. In an effort to combat the issue of political authority, social contract theorists Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacque Rousseau discussed their concept of the theory. Before the first phase of the social contract theory transpired, individuals lived in a state of nature where the government had no control over the people. Within this pre-society state individuals were relatively happy people until self -interest and greed resulted from the lack of authority and government. Due to the evolution of society, political and moral inequality transpired. As an outcome, the need to protect private property forced individuals into social conventions. In a way to resolve the issue of legitimate authority philosopher Jean-Jacque Rousseau conveys his theory of social contract where individuals come together for mutual preservation. As a result of this joint effort, Rousseau establishes a term for the community grouping known as the sovereign.
In an effort to consider everyone collectively, the sovereign supports the common good of society. While Rousseau acknowledges that there is no going back to the pre-society state he does however strive to establish a society that gives people status of citizens. Within this new system of social organization, the sovereign aims towards the general welfare of society. Rousseau’s social contract theory relates strongly to the low election turnout percentage because citizens are ultimately refusing to support the common good which in turn violates the social contract. When personal benefits are placed before common good, the results can lead to a decline of the social contract. During the election process eligible voters must continuously evaluate whether aspects of the law are in agreement to the general will of society. Once individuals put their personal interest as a primary factor in decision-making they begin to impact society and influence the lawmaking process.
In addition to individuals violating the social contract for personal interest, the government is also capable of illegitimacy. In order for the government to identify as legitimate it must represent society’s general will. If the government is incapable of positive representation, the people of society can challenge or change the government in order best protect their rights in which they gave up through the social contract. When the government is unsuccessful in achieving legitimacy and is unable to fulfill their responsibility, citizens then begin to make changes. Although Rousseau’s social contract theory was written in the 17th century, many of his ideas and concepts that relate to the issues among society and democracy are very much present today. Through the emergence of private property, socioeconomic inequality became a major issue among society.
Aside from the natural and established inequalities in society, eligible citizens face various obstacles that impact voter turnout in our democracy. While each state enacts different laws for voting requirements there are many other difficulties that impact participation rates. Some barriers eligible citizens face includes access to polls, conflicting schedules, education, income level, convenience and transportation. However, many eligible citizens also choose to opt out of voting for reasons including low interest, campaign issues, dislike in candidates, and unenthusiastic to take part in the future of the country. Nevertheless, issues with elections have always been evident throughout history. The lack of confidence citizens have in the government is also another indication that the government is demonstrating illegitimacy. Although high voter turnout connects to the legitimacy of government, some may argue that low voter turnout is just as legitimate. Those who support the legitimacy of low voter turnout use the argument that voters are ultimately content with the outcome of the election. While each side of the argument can be supported, the negatives of low voter turnout out weigh the positives significantly.
While the social contract is a fundamental agreement among the government and society it is critical to make adjustments in order for the social contract to benefit everyone involved. Throughout history there have been various interpretations of the social contract all in which contained issues and inaccuracy. Through the evolution of the agreement features from each theory have been adopted and transformed in order to best suit our democracy today. However, our society still faces issues specifically in the context of low voter turnout and the effect it has on the social contract. An aspect that continues to serve a dynamic function in society is associated with Rousseau’s theory of general will and common good. Although low voter turnout (less than 50%) among an eligible population is just one part that impacts the agreement, the continuation of personal interest will eventually lead to a ripple effect of issues that will cause a decline in the social contract.