How many swing states does the U.S. have?
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:
Swing states, also known as battleground states, are states that could “swing” to either Democratic or Republican candidates depending on the election. While there is no universal definition of what identifies a swing state, they are characterized by having small vote margins and that different political parties win over time. Based on that definition and the data from the map above, identify how many states were won the 2020 presidential election by less than three points?
Of the swing states in the 2020 election, which was the only swing state that voted for the losing presidential candidate?
According to the data from the graph below* what has happened to the number of swing states over the past 30 years?
Why does the number of swing states change from one election to another?
A couple of years ago there was a movement for conservative Americans to move to South Carolina (which was already reliably Republican) to make it a very conservative state. While it might be fun to tip a state’s political party affiliation in a particular direction, those voters would have to move from somewhere. Explain how constructing a very conservative South Carolina, could actually sabotage the strength of the Republican party in presidential elections.
A student named Beauregard said, “there is no such thing as swing states in midterm elections!” Explain your opinion about Beauregard’s comment.
What would be a good name to call states that are NOT swing states? (stale states?)
Describe how campaigns and elections are different in swing states compared to non-swing states.
How swingy is your state?
Imagine we got rid of the electoral college. How would that impact the power of swing states?
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
Move to a state where the majority of people have a different party affiliation than you. Vote in the next presidential election. See if you can swing the vote. Share your results with class. While you’re at it, make up a new song called Swingle Bells. Take the tune of Jingle Bells, change the title to Swingle Bells, and make the words about swing states. Talk about fun!
Get Creative
Imagine that your state was overrun by tons of people who are very politically different from the majority of the citizens of your state. What would things look like in your newly invaded state? Write about an encounter at a grocery store between the new arrivals and locals.
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