Handout A: Testing Assumptions

Directions:

Read each set of statements and check the one you believe is true.

1. Choose one:

   • People who cast votes are more likely to engage in public life in other ways.
   • People who cast votes are less likely to engage in public life in other ways.
   • Whether one votes does not affect how much he or she engages in public life

2. Choose one:

   • It’s more important that someone feel involved in the political process than for that person to actually, in fact, influence politics.
   • It’s less important that someone feels involved in the political process than for that person to actually, in fact, influence politics

3. Choose one:

   • Participating in government is more important than participating in public life in other ways (such as volunteering).
   • Participating in government is less important than participating in public life in other ways.

4. Choose one:

   • Your vote has a greater impact in local elections than in national ones.
   • Your vote has a lesser impact in local elections than in national ones.

5. Choose one:

   • Voting is the most important way one can participate in public life.
   • There are other more important ways to participate in public life than voting.