If voting is the fundamental method of political expression in our representative democracy, why do so many Americans take their democratic right for granted? ... This in turn may help determine some of the causes of such a low turnout. ... Also, the fact that elections are held on weekdays can not help the cause. ... On the extreme other hand, the decision to abstain from voting, and from otherwise taking part in political activities, may reflect a voter's rational judgement that his future is safe in the hands of whichever candidate emerges as winner. ...

• Word Count: 2179
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Virtu Like most Western philosophers, Niccolo Machiavelli's ideas were heavily influenced by the early Greek philosophers. Most notable among the Greek philosophers who inspired Machiavelli was Plato. In particular, Machiavelli took interest in Plato's concept of just rulers who ruled by moral virtue. Machiavelli argued against this Platonic philosophy. He believed in "virtu", whatever was best for the State was virtu. ...

• Word Count: 4508
• Approx Pages: 18
• Grade Level: Undergraduate