Diverging Parties: Social Change, Realignment, and Party Polarization / Edition 1

by Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Mark D. Brewer, Mack Mariani

Overview

Party polarization in the House of Representatives has increased recently. Explaining this development has been difficult given current interpretations of American elections. The dominant framework for interpreting elections has been to see them as candidate-centered or individualistic. This book explains the emergence of party polarization by focusing on how the constituencies of House districts affect partisan outcomes and the subsequent voting behavior of House members. The analysis is premised on the simple argument that members are elected from districts, and an explanation of polarization must begin with districts. The origins of polarization lie in the realignment of the electoral bases of the parties, and the shifting demographic composition of America. The analysis will focus primarily on changes since the 1960s.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813398433
Publisher:	Westview Press
Publication date:	08/21/2002
Series:	Transforming American Politics Series
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Mack Mariani

Table of Contents

Preface — The Reemergence of Party Polarization — Explaining Increasing Conflict — The Origins of Increased Party Polarization — Social Change and Political Implications — Social Change, Realignment, and Party Polarization — Constituencies and Party Conflict — Interpreting Congressional Elections: The Limits of the Candidate-Centered Framework — Appendix Congressional District Data: 1920–2000 — Figure, Map and Table Credits