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:

1. According to the data from the visual above, what U.S. state/territory has the highest percentage of Republican registered voters?

2. According to the data from the visual above, what U.S. state/territory has the highest percentage of Democratic registered voters?

3. According to the data from the visual above, what U.S. state/territory has the most balanced party affiliation?

4. Only 32 states and Washington, DC, require party affiliation as part of voter registration, thus many states are left blank on the maps above. What most surprised you about this map?

5. Identify two geographical trends regarding party affiliation from the map.

6. Explain why some states are very Republican (Wyoming) while others are very Democratic (Maryland).

7. Because Wyoming and Maryland are very politically different, describe two policy differences between those states.

8. What is one general consequence of having such a politically varied country?

9. Explain whether this map is a good argument for American federalism.

10. Describe how this map impacted the most recent presidential campaign and election.

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Learn More

Check out this Gallup Polling data about which states are the most Republican and Democratic.

Act on your Learning

Research the political party of the US Senators and US House members from your state. Share what you learn about their party online or in class.

Pardon after Completion of Sentence - Petition

Get Creative

If your state were a type of fruit, what fruit would it be?