Coalition of Supporters Flashcards
Religion
Religion is important for voters because it is linked to the stance voters have on some social issues. Protestants mainly support Republicans because they want a president that will nominate judges which have a literal interpretation of the constitution and will make rulings in line with their social beliefs. Catholics have increased their Republican support because they oppose abortion. The religious right movement supports the Republicans because the party promotes family values, and opposes same-sex marriage and abortion.
Race
The Democrats traditionally have more support from racial minority groups including Hispanics and African-Americans.
In 2008 support for the Democrats was particularly high with 95% of African-Americans voting for Barack Obama.
In 2016 Hispanics supported Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump. Trump had spoken in his campaign in a negative way about Mexican immigrants. Republicans have attracted Hispanic support, such as in 2000 when George W. Bush won the Hispanic vote.
Education
Voter education influenced party support in the 2016 election. Donald Trump won the support of less well-educated voters who had not studied at college. Voters supported Trump’s policies of stopping illegal immigration and restoring national pride. Trump was supported by 71% of white males that were not college educated, whilst 23% of them voted for Clinton.
Gender
Women mostly support Democrat candidates over the Republicans in presidential elections. Democrat policies appeal to women more than Republican policies. Democrats favour gun control, less defence spending and women having the right to an abortion. Democrats are opposed to capital punishment which appeals to many women.
Gender in the 2016 election
In the 2016 election, there was significant female support for Hillary Clinton and greater male support for Donald Trump.
Donald Trump’s attitude to women was a focus of the 2016 election after a video was released where he bragged about kissing and groping women. 54% of women voted for Clinton, whilst 41% of women voted for Trump.
