The USA: Political System and Process System of Government: Political Parties and Elections

Today we will… Success Criteria Identify the two main political parties in the USA Describe the policies of each party Categorize voters into the party that they are more likely to vote for based on their policies Explain why groups of voters are more likely to vote for the Democrats or Republicans. Success Criteria

US Political parties and their support There are two main political parties in the USA – the Democrats and the Republicans. Both parties contain a range of people from across society. In US elections, candidates seek to build political support across different regions and groups. In America, a candidate’s views on particular issues such as taxes, gun control or welfare are often more important than which party they actually represent.

The Democrats Democratic Party Support Until the most recent election (2016) Democrat support has been strongest from the following groups: The Poor – Those dependent on welfare or Govt. health provision (Medicaid) as Democrats more sympathetic to less well off. Many poor people live in urban areas. Minorities – Blacks and Hispanics as the Democrats are more supportive of government programmes to support minorities. Democrats are seen as less strict on immigration. ‘Liberals’ – Those in the NE and West of the USA who are more supportive of government intervention in the economy, and of gay rights, abortion and tighter gun control.

The Republicans Republican Party Support Republican Party support is usually considered the strongest amongst: Wealthy people – The Republicans favour low taxes and limited government intervention in the economy. Many wealthy Americans live in suburban areas or in more rural States of the Mid West (Iowa) or the South (Alabama). Whites – Although Obama won in 2008, most Whites (55%) voted for Republican McCain. ‘Conservatives’ – Republicans are more likely to be conservative on social policy i.e. anti-abortion & anti-gay, pro-gun and pro-death penalty. Note: The ‘religious right’ and the ‘bible belt’ States have grown in importance in US politics in recent years.

US Political parties and their support – The 2008 Elections In 2008, the USA returned a Democrat President and Congress. In the Presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama beat Republican John McCain. In Congress, the Democrats became the main party with 56 of 100 Senators and 256 of the 435 Congressmen. So who supported the Democrats in 2008? 65% of first time voters – Obama younger than McCain. 95% of Blacks and 70% of Hispanics; McCain had a small majority amongst Whites. 56% women and 52% men. Obama more ‘female-friendly’. The 62% of voters who felt Obama and the Democrats were better able to handle the economic crisis.

US Political parties and their support – The 2012 Presidential Election In 2012, the USA returned Democrat Barack Obama who beat Republican Mitt Romney. So who supported Obama in 2012? Most men (52%) voted for Romney whilst most women (55%) voted Obama. Most whites (59%) voted for Romney. 93% of African Americans voted Obama, as did 71% of Hispanics and 73% of Asians. Obama won the young vote – 60% of 18-29 year olds voted him. Romney won the old vote – 56% of over 65s voted him. http://www.ropercenter.uconn.edu/elections/how_groups_voted/voted_12.html Link at bottom gives more detailed analysis of 2012 Presidential Election.

US Political parties and their support – The 2016 Presidential Election In 2016, the USA voted for Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Hilary Clinton. So who supported Trump in 2016? Most men (53%) voted for Trump whilst most women (52%) voted Clinton. Most whites (58%) voted for Trump. 8% of African Americans voted Trump, 88% voted for Clinton. 20% of Hispanics voted Trump , 65% supported Clinton Trump won the elderly vote – 53% of 65+ year olds voted him. Clinton won the young vote – 55% of 18-29 yr olds voted for her. Link at bottom gives more detailed analysis of 2012 Presidential Election.

Has Trump changed voting patterns? The answer is Yes… and No! Following the 2016 Presidential election (between Trump and Hillary Clinton), it became clear that many people had radically changed their voting patterns whilst others stayed the same. This backs up the idea that voting in America isn’t so much about the political party but the political CANDIDATE. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-37922587 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRW6rhmFAXc

Video Clips… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pyOq5bimM4 – Republican and Democrat Parties explained in basic terms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eInuuLp1Dw – Critique of the Two Party System…”Divide and Conquer”

Use the Party Profiles on the blog to help you. 1. Create a profile for either the Democrats or Republican political party which includes the following information: Name and Symbol Policy Commitments/Beliefs Presidents Typical Supporters Use the Party Profiles on the blog to help you. 2. Describe a typical Democrat supporter. 3. Describe a typical Republican supporter. 4. Why would some commentators argue that the 2016 Presidential election has changed voting patterns in the USA? Use statistics to back up your answer. 5. Why would many commentators argue that nothing has changed in terms of voting patterns following the 2016 Presidential election. Use statistics to back up your answer.