Which revised claim best rebuts the counterclaim regarding the impact …

Social Studies Questions

Use the passage to answer the question.Claim: By lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 in the United States, young people will develop lifelong voting habits that will make them more concerned citizens.Counterclaim: Americans in the 18 to 29 age group have the lowest rates of voter turnout, so lowering the voting age to 16 is not likely to have any effect on voting habits.The student who wrote the claim is developing a revised claim as a rebuttal to the counterclaim. Which is the best revision?A. Only one out of eight 18-year-olds voted in the most recent national election, and lowering the voting age would be a great way to increase those numbers.B. Students usually study government and civics during the last two years of high school, so 16- and 17-year-olds find voting to be a way to engage with what they learn.C. People of all ages deserve to have a voice, but especially those who are old enough to work and pay taxes, which includes 16- and 17-year-olds.D. Austria lowered its voting age to 16 in 2007, and this has led to Scotland, Wales, and three British crown dependencies also allowing 16-year-olds the vote.

Short Answer

The claim rebuttal should highlight that 16- and 17-year-olds are engaged in civics education, making voting a natural extension of their learning. Additionally, it should emphasize the educational benefits of voting and consider broader implications like early civic engagement and successful examples from other nations.

Step-by-Step Solution

Revise the Claim Rebuttal

The best way to revamp the claim rebuttal is to emphasize that 16- and 17-year-olds are actively engaging with government and civics through their studies. By doing so, voting becomes a natural extension of their educational experiences, helping to strengthen their connection to civic participation. This approach indicates that lowering the voting age might positively influence lifelong voting behaviors.

Emphasize Educational Impact

The revised claim should assert: “During the last two years of high school, students often study government and civics, making voting a crucial way to connect with their learnings.” This statement underscores the bond between educational pursuits and civic responsibility, illustrating how participation in voting can enhance their understanding and commitment to the democratic process.

Consider Broader Implications

In discussions about the voting age, several key factors should be considered:

  • The importance of early civic engagement for developing responsible voters.
  • Curriculums in schools that actively teach government principles and civic duties.
  • Examples from other countries that have successfully lowered the voting age.

Understanding these elements can promote a more informed dialogue about the implications of youth voting.

Related Concepts

Civic Engagement

The participation of individuals in activities related to governance, which helps them understand and influence political processes.

Voting Age

The legally defined age at which a person is allowed to participate in elections and cast their vote.

Educational Curriculum

The structured content and lessons taught in schools, particularly regarding government and civics, which informs students about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Scroll to Top