In the political realm, it is clear to see the two parties with the most dominance: Democratic and Republican. Throughout recent years, these have been the parties in which the most votes are gained, candidates are supported, and campaigns are advertised. Noting this, one might find himself or herself wondering what causes such astounding attraction to these two parties in the midst of all other options. Voters and citizens of America have the right to identify with any party they choose, so why do so many so many find themselves siding simply as Democratic or Republican on many issues today? While voters have the freedom to be a member of and vote for whichever party they want, taking a look at not only their background and demographics, but
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Studies have shown that approximately 55% of active voters age 18-29 declared themselves as a member of the Democrat party, where as only 42% declared themselves as members of the Republican party (Stanek, Becca). The same studies have shown that as people age, the more conservative they become, with 56% of Americans age 65 or older associating themselves with the Republican party. The region an individual has grown up in may also influence his or her choice in political parties. The average person who has lived in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions during his or her life has seen more liberal upbringings than those in other regions of America, seeing as the top ten democratic states are located in these areas (Saad, Lydia). On the contrary, the most conservative states are those found in the non-coastal western region of America, as well as deep south states (Jones, Jeffrey M., State by State Analysis). A person's religious affiliation-- or lack thereof-- also plays a major role in his or her political bias. More non-religious voters identified as supporters of the Democratic party, while those who declared themselves as very religious identified as supporters of the Republican party (Condon, Stephanie). Religious affiliation also has an effect on voters' opinions of the parties' stance on many issues, further …show more content…
These standards are shown through a variety of topics, including voters' stances on abortion, gay marriage, and the legalization of marijuana. Opinions on abortion have been a long time difference between the two parties, and each has kept its own belief that meets whatever standard the party has for it. 68% of Republicans' stance on abortion is that of pro-life, while their lesser religious counterparts (Democrats) are equally pro-choice (Ertelt, Steven). Another topic of differing views between the parties is that of gay marriage. While the conservative and traditional Republicans only support it at 32%, liberal Democrats accept it with an approving rating of 66% (Changing Attitudes, Pew Research Centers Religion Public Life Project RSS ). Recently, the topic of marijuana legalization has also been brought into light. Still upholding those conservative values, we find that 63% of Republican party members are not in support of the legalization (Majority Now Supports, Pew Research Center for the People and the Press RSS). The Democratic party has also kept their liberal agenda by supporting this legalization at 59% (Majority Now Supports, Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Studies have shown that approximately 55% of active voters age 18-29 declared themselves as a member of the Democrat party, where as only 42% declared themselves as members of the Republican party (Stanek, Becca). The same studies have shown that as people age, the more conservative they become, with 56% of Americans age 65 or older associating themselves with the Republican party. The region an individual has grown up in may also influence his or her choice in political parties. The average person who has lived in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions during his or her life has seen more liberal upbringings than those in other regions of America, seeing as the top ten democratic states are located in these areas (Saad, Lydia). On the contrary, the most conservative states are those found in the non-coastal western region of America, as well as deep south states (Jones, Jeffrey M., State by State Analysis). A person's religious affiliation-- or lack thereof-- also plays a major role in his or her political bias. More non-religious voters identified as supporters of the Democratic party, while those who declared themselves as very religious identified as supporters of the Republican party (Condon, Stephanie). Religious affiliation also has an effect on voters' opinions of the parties' stance on many issues, further …show more content…
These standards are shown through a variety of topics, including voters' stances on abortion, gay marriage, and the legalization of marijuana. Opinions on abortion have been a long time difference between the two parties, and each has kept its own belief that meets whatever standard the party has for it. 68% of Republicans' stance on abortion is that of pro-life, while their lesser religious counterparts (Democrats) are equally pro-choice (Ertelt, Steven). Another topic of differing views between the parties is that of gay marriage. While the conservative and traditional Republicans only support it at 32%, liberal Democrats accept it with an approving rating of 66% (Changing Attitudes, Pew Research Centers Religion Public Life Project RSS ). Recently, the topic of marijuana legalization has also been brought into light. Still upholding those conservative values, we find that 63% of Republican party members are not in support of the legalization (Majority Now Supports, Pew Research Center for the People and the Press RSS). The Democratic party has also kept their liberal agenda by supporting this legalization at 59% (Majority Now Supports, Pew Research Center for the People and the Press