What is the most common U.S. political party identification?
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:
Critical Analysis
What is the most common political party identification in America?
Overall, what has happened to the number of Democrats and Republicans in America over the past 35 years?
How do you explain that trend?
How do you think this trend will impact the 2024 presidential election?
In 1991 the number of people who identified as Independents passed the number of Democrats and Republicans for the first time. After that, the number of indpendents fell below the number of Democrats and Republicans in 2004 and below the number of Democrats in 2008. What happened in 2004 and 2008 to increase the number of members of the major parties?
There is no such thing as the American Independent Party. In fact, the term independent means that a respondent does not really identify as either Democrat or Republican. But in many elections, voters can’t choose an independent and they are left having to choose between a Republican or Democrat. What about the structure of the way Americans vote leads to the lack of a strong third party?
When people have to choose between the two major parties, based on the data below*, how do you think most people who identify as “independent” will actually vote in the next election?
What most surprised you about this data?
How do you think the unpopularity of the current Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates will impact the number of people who identify as independent?
Overall, do you identify more as a Republican, Democratic, or Independent?
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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
Research the percentages of Democrats, Republicans and Independents in your state. Share what you’ve learned with your classmates.
Get Creative
One thing that is certain is change. Make a copy of the chart above by digitally cutting and pasting or drawing it by hand. Based on the trends from the past almost half century, draw in the future American political party affiliation over the next 30 years.
Learning Extension
Check out this Gallup Polling data about which states are the most Republican and Democratic.