Mark N. Franklin Books

Voter turnout is explored as a key indicator of democratic health, with the author documenting factors leading to low participation rates. Mark Franklin argues that declining turnout is not solely due to diminished civic engagement or growing alienation but is influenced by institutional changes and a lack of electoral competition. He suggests that many voters choose not to participate in response to these conditions, highlighting the need for reforms to address the underlying issues affecting voter engagement.

What is politics about? At its core, politics is about resolving matters that are contested in a society or group. It exists not only within and between states, but also within religious institutions, sports organisations, commercial enterprises, schools and social organisations. Politics is driven by conflict, but also by cooperation. To understand politics, we must ask specific ('key') questions about the nature of political conflict, about persons, groups and institutions that are involved, about their resources, and about the wider context that both constrains and provides opportunities for all. It also requires an understanding of concepts such as power, influence and political community, and, of course, of the terms politics, conflict and cooperation. This book is about the 'essence' of politics, which is introduced by way of key questions and concepts that are indispensable for understanding politics in many different settings.