Yet most Americans actually vote moderate and prefer compromise and quiet, thoughtful discussion and problem solving. Politics and public service is largely reserved for adults, and often, older persons at that. Young people are generally overlooked and neglected by the candidates and parties. Politics and public service have been bashed and discredited. Students would prefer to get a business degree and manage a convenience store than serve in the legislature or Congress.
Many elections go uncontested because of a lack of candidates.
Big money in politics is an insurmountable hurdle for many who might even think about running. And, the intrusion into candidates personal lives and background makes most students feel that by the time they are freshmen in college they already have a past that would not stand the scrutiny of the press. I know this for a fact because I have data from hundreds of my students in the Introduction to American government class. There is general agreement that we need young people, especially students, to enjoy, understand, and get involved in government and politics so that they become action oriented and empowered citizens. I believe that we can reverse this dreadful trend in political apathy, negativism, and cynicism.