The Line that Separates America’s Major Parties

Kira O Flanagan, University Of Limerick

Co-authors: Kevin Burke, University of Limerick; Padraig MacCarron, University of Limerick; Mike Quayle, University of Limerick

Abstract: This article examines the growing social divide between Americas largest political parties, Democrats and Republicans, over a 20 year period. The divide is investigated by utilizing data from the American National Election Survey (ANES) to analyses shifts in public opinion, partisan alignment, and political uncertainty. The findings reveal the evolving divide between Republican and Democratic participants, with an increase in people identifying as either liberal or conservative and a decrease in the moderates and the undecided. This trend indicates that Americans are becoming more predictable and decisive in their political views.