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Content: The
        Democratic Party's "New Deal Coalition" during the Great
        Depression of the 1930s caused a revival of interest on the part of
        voters, resulting in averages up around 60 percent. Turnouts started
        back down again in 1968, reaching a low of 49.1 percent in the
        presidential election of 1996. The fact that more people do not vote is distressing to many. " There is currently a widespread sense, shown by public opinion
        surveys and complaints by informed observers, that the American
        electoral system is in trouble," says political scientist A. James
        Reichley in his book Elections American Style. " Some believe
        that this trouble is minor and can be dealt with through moderate
        reforms; others think it goes deep and requires extensive political
        surgery, perhaps accompanied by sweeping changes in the larger social
        order. Complaints include the huge cost and long duration of campaigns,
        the power of the media to shape public perceptions of candidates, and
        the undue influence exerted by 'special interests' over both nominations
        and general elections." Many commentators believe that what the U.S. electoral system needs
        is more direct, less representative, democracy. Televised town hall
        meetings, for example, at which voters can talk directly to elected
        officials and political candidates, have been encouraged as a way to
        "empower" the people. And the use of ballot initiatives,
        referendums, and recall elections is growing rapidly.