Red State

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

A “red state” is one whose voters elect primarily Republican candidates. Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Idaho are good examples of very “dark” Republican states. The opposite of a red state is a “blue state”, which elects primarily Democratic candidates. A “purple state” is a state that is so evenly split between Republican and Democratic voters that it is neither red nor blue, and its political allegiance is uncertain in any election. There are different levels of how ‘red’ a state can be. If a Republican candidate wins the vote in that state, that state has ‘turned red.’ If a state votes for a Republican in nearly every statewide race, it could be considered a ‘deep red’ or ‘dark red’ state (Alabama, Texas, Idaho, etc.). If a state typically votes Republican but will occasionally vote for a Democrat, they are known as a ‘light red’ state (Indiana). There is no hard and fast rule as to what makes a state dark or light red. Some people may consider North Carolina or Iowa a light red state, and others may consider them swing states. Changes in demographics or voting access can alter the “color” of a state.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What make a state red, blue, or purple?

  2. Is your state red, blue, or purple?

  3. About how many states are red, how many are blue, and how many are purple?

  4. What is the connection between state colors and the electoral college?

  5. Why do states ever change from one color to another?

  6. What is the reddest state in America?

  7. What is the bluest state in America?

  8. What is the purplest state in America?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw red state. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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