‘The two main US parties are now more ideologically distinct and internally united than in the past.’ (30 marks)
There is an all-round belief that the two main US political parties are more ideologically distinct and polarised, however the idea that they are ‘internally united’ is potentially not a true statement. This can be put up for question by many factions, but predominantly the Tea Party Movement in the Republican wing, this demonstrates a division within the party itself.
Firstly, the Red-Blue divide comes from the break-up of the ‘Solid South’, with George Wallace’s breakaway from the Democrat party. This lead to Wallace leading the American Independence party, in 1968 Wallace received 13.5% of the vote, with 45 Electoral College votes. With Nixon’s Southern Strategy coming into play, with the attempt of courting the south by the Republicans. This was proven successful and in 1972, Nixon won all of the South, and comprehensively won the election. Many have the belief that, since the movement of the civil rights, and the realignment of the 2 major parties, they have become more polarised. The Republicans have become more conservative and the Democrats becoming more liberal. As a result, the two parties are becoming more distinct.
However, there are many criticism of the ‘Red-Blue divide’ ideology, with the inclusion of ‘purple’ states. As in 2008, 9 states which had previously voted for Bush in the Republican wing during the 2004 election, changed their state vote and voted for Barack Obama in 2008, most notably Indiana which previously had over a 20% swing. Furthermore, congress shows a more complex approach, with some states being generally Republican in general elections, yet senators being of the Democrat wing, this is seen in West Virginia, with both senators being Democrat supporters.
Additionally, many believe that the 2 parties are no longer united at all and have become adversely divided over many issues. Firstly, Blue Democrats are the...