Political parties

Question 1

what is the democratic party ideology?

Answer 1

not all democrats identify as liberals. many would call themselves moderates, centrists or even conservative democrats. there are large ideological differences within the party ranging from centrist to the left

Question 2

what is the republican party ideology?

Answer 2

not all are conservatives especially those in the northeast. some qualify as social conservatives, Christian Right, fiscal conservatives, moderate republicans.

Question 3

what broad party policies do the democrats have?

Answer 3

• pro-choice
• support same-sex marriage
• reducing green house gasses
• raising minimum wage
• taxes are fairer on higher earners
• healthcare is right not a privilege
• pro gun control

Question 4

what are broad party polices do the republicans have?

Answer 4

• pro-life
• don’t support same sex marriage
• mandatory prison sentences for crimes
• oppose to carbon tax and support all forms of energy
• oppose banking regulations
• impose no change on traditional medicare
• repeal Obamacare

Question 5

what role does gender play when supporting political parties?

Answer 5

9/10 elections between 1964-2000, women more supportive of democratic party.
2016 gender gap for trump was 11 points, 52% men and 41% women, trumps attitude towards women became prominent issue.

Question 6

what is the reason for the gender gap?

Answer 6

often thought to be connected to policy differences between parties in 5 key areas; abortion, defence, law and order, gun control and women’s rights. democrats support abortion and equal rights.

Question 7

what role does race play when supporting political parties?

Answer 7

between 1980-2016 African Americans never gave less than 83% of support to democrats. the republican vote increased among the Hispanic community from 20% in 1996 to 43% in 2004, but by 2016 does to 28%

Question 8

how much did African American support for democrats rise by under Obama?

Answer 8

rose from 88% in 2004 to 95% in 2008, fell to 89% with Clinton in 2016

Question 9

what are the Religious Right?

Answer 9

conservative christian groups, linked to evangelicals, seeking cultural and social change favouring family values. pro-life policy, prayer in public schools

Question 10

what percentage of protestants support republicans

Answer 10

give between 54-59% of votes in last 5 elections, within that evangelicals provide even more support especially towards Trump, 76% of evangelical Christians supported the Republicans in 2020.

Question 11

which party do catholics typically support?

Answer 11

traditionally vote democrat, however support has wearied because of democrats support for abortion. thus devout catholics tent to support republicans

Question 12

What % of white, non-college educated voters supported Trump?

Answer 12

67% of white, non-college educated voters supported Trump.

Question 13

What % of post-graduates supported Biden?

Answer 13

62% of post-graduates supported Biden.

Question 14

what are the key views of Liberal faction of democrats?

Answer 14

key values: social justice, oppose death penalty, LGBT rights, medicare for all.
key members: Bernie sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-cortez

Question 15

what are the key values and members of moderate faction of democrats?

Answer 15

key values: public option for healthcare, minority rights, college more affordable, tax reforms for middle class, immigration reform
key members: Joe Biden, the Clintons and Terri Sewell

Question 16

what are they key values and members of the conservative faction of democrats?

Answer 16

key values: socially conservative, fiscally Neo-conservative, less supportive of LGBT rights and gun control, keen for bipartisan agreements, may members voted against Obamacare.
key names: Joe manchin and Jim Cooper (blue dog)

Question 17

what are the key values and members of the moderate republicans?

Answer 17

key values: less socially conservative, bigger role for the state in economy and society, unwilling to repeal Obamacare, more sympathetic towards immigration
key names: Susan collins and Lisa Murkowski

Question 18

what are the key values and members of the fiscal conservatives?

Answer 18

key values: reduce govt spending and curb govt waste, advocate small govt and tax cuts, support balanced budget, keen to repeal Obamacare
key names: Rand Paul and Andy Biggs

Question 19

what are the key values and members of the social conservatives?

Answer 19

key values: oppose same-sex marriage, promote traditional family values, pro-life, favour death penalty, strong links with religious right, oppose legalisation of drugs.
key names: Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio

Question 20

what evidence is there for party renewal?

Answer 20

theories of party decline exaggerated e.g reports of death of republic party after Watergate, back ib power 6 years later
nationalisation of campaigns e.g contact with America 10 point plan
increased partisanship in congress- partisanship has increased and so parties still matter

Question 21

what evidence is there for party decline?

Answer 21

Parties have little-no control over candidate selection (due to primaries), party rallies are no longer as significant for communication with voters, political movements (Occupy/BLM/Tea Party) have replaced the importance of traditional political parties.