Which of the two major parties is more diverse?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
According to the data from the visual above, what percent of the registered voters in 1996 were White?
According to the data from the visual above, what percent of the Republican voters are White?
According to the data from the visual above, what percent of the Democratic voters are non-White?
The share of voters who are Hispanic has roughly tripled since the mid-1990s; the share who are Asian has increased sixfold over the same period. Based on the visual above, describe one change between 1996 and 2023 in race and party affiliation?
What do you think explains that change?
Today, 44% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters are Hispanic, Black, Asian, another race or multiracial, compared with 20% of Republicans and Republican leaners. However, the Democratic Party’s advantages among Black and Hispanic voters, in particular, have narrowed somewhat in recent years. How do you think this will affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election?
In elections, does diversity help or hinder political parties?
Based on your knowledge of American politics and history why do you think White voters identify so strongly with the Republican Party?
How accurately does the data from the chart reflect your own party affiliation?
Predict how long it will be before the Democratic Party is majority minority (in other words, less than half of Democrats are White).
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact the Republican Party or the Democratic Party and, based on the data in the chart, explain to them what electoral strategy they should adopt.
Get Creative
If each party were a restaurant chain, what would each party be?
Learning Extension
Read the latest Pew Research Center Report on American political parties and our divided nation.