Final answer:
Young Americans aged 18-21 exhibit lower voter turnout, contributing to unpredictability in elections. The U.S. uses a winner-take-all system for the Electoral College and adopts plurality voting in elections, where the candidate with most votes wins. The number of independent voters has risen since the 1970s, indicating a shift away from traditional political party structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of 18-21 year olds having a lower voter turnout is a concern in political campaigns, as this age group is least likely to vote. This demographic often feels disconnected from the political process, possibly due to frequent relocations or the perception that their votes do not significantly impact election outcomes. Despite traditional campaign efforts to mobilize voters, the impact of young Americans' participation remains unpredictable from one election to the next.
The United States employs a winner-take-all system in its electoral process, notably in the Electoral College during Presidential elections. This system awards all of a state's electoral votes to the candidate who receives the highest number of votes in that state, regardless of whether or not they secure an absolute majority. This plurality voting method, also known as first-past-the-post, dictates that the candidate with the most votes wins, which can result in elected officials who do not have the majority support of their constituents.
Since the 1970s, there has been a rise in the number of independent voters. These voters are not aligned with any major political party, which reflects a shift towards candidate-centered campaigns. Political parties are considered to have a decreasing role in U.S. politics, with candidates often running on personal wealth or populist platforms rather than relying on party support.