Unit 1 Political Ideology Behaviors Part 1 Demographics

Unit #1: Political Ideology & Behaviors Part 1: Demographics and Political Identity

Demographics: The Census • Demography is the science of population changes. We use it to study how the people of America change and thus how public opinion changes. • The census is conducted every ten years by the U. S. government since 1790 and is our main demographic tool. • The census has revealed time and time again that we are a nation of immigrants and the result is a melting pot of ideals and beliefs.

Demographics: Current Population Statistics

Population Trends • The overall population I exploding in number, surpassing 300 million in 2008. • Graying. Overall the American population is growing older as the “baby boomer” generation continues to reach retirement age. • Shifting. Older generations are moving to the South and West. Immigration numbers have also dramatically increased, especially in southern states. • Diversifying. Minorities continue to grow in size.

Political Consequences of Population Trends • 1. Reapportionment occurs after every census a representation in congress is adjusted to reflect population changes and shifts. • 2. Disproportionate political power for elderly due to the growing size of the older generation. • 3. Shift of political power to minorities. • 4. Strain of entitlement programs as programs such as Social Security and Medicare cannot keep up with the aging population.

Shared Political Culture (Regardless of Race or Religion) • Freedom • Individualism • Equality of Opportunity (not economic) • Democracy • Civic Duty • Tolerance • Distrust of Government

Political Socialization • All of the factors below impact the way an individual thinks and acts politically (the rank of importance might range from person to person). • 1. Family • 2. Religion • 3. School • 4. Friends/Peers • 5. Mass Media

Political Ideologies: The Definition • Political ideology is a coherent set of values and belief about public policy (political decisions) • A person’ political ideology impacts the way an individual politically participates. • Conventional participation such as voting, running for office, campaigning • Unconventional participation such as protest, civil disobedience, nonviolent and violent demonstrations.

Function of Ideology in American Politics • 1. Convenient labels that help voters define themselves and candidates relative to others – even if they are limited in their accuracy. • 2. Over-used devices that merely exaggerate the political divide in America.

Political Ideology Basic Categories • Liberal: Favors strong central (national) government. • Conservative: Favors less central and instead more local (state) government power. • Libertarian: In favor of limited government involvement on any level. • Authoritarian: Desire a strong all powerful government.

Political Ideology Measurement Tools • 1. Economic spectrum – how much government intervention do you prefer in the name of bringing about economic fairness? • 2. Social/moral spectrum – how much government intervention do you prefer in the name of enforcing/protecting traditional moral values?

Basic Historical Trends of Political Ideology • 1. 20 th century “paternalism” brought about by a century of the New Deal coalition. (Idea that the government takes care of us. ) • 2. Resurgence of conservatism • a. ) Ronald Reagan 1980 s • b. ) 1994, 104 th Congress, Republican “Revolution, ” aka “Devolution” • • Characterized by increase in block grants Shift in power/responsibility back to the states Shift toward “dual federalism” Evidenced by Welfare Reform Act of 1996 • c. ) The Tea Party (Happening again today) • 3. Increase in political polarization (America is as split today as it was before the Civil War.

Political Platforms Democrat • Pro-Choice • Pro Same-Sex Marriage • Support government administered healthcare • Increased gun control • In favor of public schools • Want to invest more in infrastructure. • Pro- labor union Republican • Pro-Life • Anti Same-Sex Marriage • Against government administered healthcare • Pro gun rights • In favor of school choice • Against increased taxes • Anti-labor union