The Big Sort

Written By Jonathan Milner

The geographical self-segregation of Americans into ideologically homogeneous (similar) communities. Over the past three decades Americans have sorted themselves and moved to live in areas that are in agreement about politics, economics, and lifestyle. In 2004, journalist Bill Bishop made national news in a series of articles when he first described "the big sort." Armed with original and startling demographic data, he showed how Americans have been sorting themselves over the past three decades into homogeneous communities — not at the regional level, or the red-state/blue-state level, but at the micro level of city and neighborhood. America may be more diverse than ever coast to coast, but the places where we live are becoming increasingly crowded with people who live, think, and vote like we do. This social transformation didn't happen by accident. We've built a country where we can all choose the neighborhood and church and news show — most compatible with our lifestyle and beliefs.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What is the Big Sort theory?

  2. Does the idea that Americans are sorting themselves into different communities seem true to you?

  3. How is your life illustrative of the Big Sort?

  4. What emoji best exemplifies the Big Sort theory?

  5. How does the Big Sort impact voting and elections?

  6. Do you think America is going to become more or less sorted in the next decade?

  7. If you were to renamed the big sort, what would you call it?

  8. Is the Big Sort a good thing?

  9. What is the most likely political consequence of the Big Sort?

  10. Is Hold Me Up (Thank You) by Khruangbin (below) most likely a metaphor for the Big Sort?

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 the Big Sort. 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

AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
Quick View
AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
$15.00

Prepare for the 2026 AP® US Government Exam with High Five! Our Exam Review guide is completely redesigned and updated with over 140 pages of great AP Exam review material. Tons of completed graphic organizers are full of information to get you exam-ready in a flash.

This 2026 exam guide is an instant download and contains all the following resources.

  • Overview of the U.S. Government and Politics exam. 

  • Completed graphic organizers for all required documents + Supreme Court cases. 

  • Guide to the skills and content for all 5 course units. 

  • Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

  • Tons of Graphic Organizers with answers from each course unit.

  • GoPo Pro Tips and checklists.

  • Exam review Guides.

  • Amazing AI generated images of the Framers of the Constitution giving high fives!

  • Full Length AP multiple choice + Free Response Exam with Key.

AP ® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site or product.

GoPoPro does not offer credit or grades for our classes or products.

GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
Previous

Framers
Next

Waffle House