Essay #6 In the United States political system, there are several linkage institutions that can connect citizens to government Elections constitute one such institution. Because of low voter turnout, however, other linkage institutions can connect citizens to government.

A linkage institution is a structure within a society that connects the people to the government or centralized authority. These institutions include: elections, political parties, media, and interest groups.

The younger generation is very disengaged in politics and are very unlikely to vote. If a person has gone through high school, or college, they become more likely to vote in elections than someone who has less education.

You have to register with a political party before you vote for a presidential candidate as a requirement by the government. It is hard to convince people to vote, especially if they have to immediately identify which party they would like to be a part of before the vote. This is the main reason so many people choose to be Independents. They don't like having to choose one side or the other.

Media is the easiest and most common way that people are connected to the government. The media gives them a quick insight to candidates and issues that they choose to vote on. Media can be helpful but also harmful. Media can sometimes be biased but also gives many facts. Media is the easiest way for the government to advertise candidates and issues and see how the people react.