Stagnant vs. Evolving Political Views for Partisan Parties

One of the most prominent issues facing the country’s current political climate is the division between political parties. As the years have gone on, this division has become more and more polarized. Often, the conversation becoming less about politics and more about infotainment.

The gap between Republicans and Democrats has widened, showing a substantially larger division between the partisan parties. The most evident changes in opinions for these two parties has been issues regarding race and the road of the government. In general, the public’s views “as a whole have moved in a more liberal direction (Pew)” whereas the Republicans and Republican leaners have had less of a change in opinion. This makes me wonder what makes one party more progressive than the other? Why is one party moving in the direction the public is moving while one is staying firm? Considering the ideals of popular sovereignty is to act in the way of the public, it is interesting that the Republic party is no moving in this liberal direction with the public on this particular issue.

Another factor leading to the gap is that “Democrats are more likely than Republicans to favor an active global role for the U.S. (Pew).”

While just a few years ago both parties had similar views about America’s role in global affairs, the parties have now further divided with Republicans views changing very little and Democrats changing vastly from (38% to 58%) on “how active of a role we should take in world affairs.”

Do you think that a party should evolve with the public? Or is it more important for a party to remain consistent in its ideals?

I wonder if it is due to these rapidly changing ideals and stagnant beliefs, that so many people identify as moderate. With so many core beliefs being tied to each party, it may be difficult for some to choose just one to identify with.

Sources:

http://news.gallup.com/poll/201152/conservative-liberal-gap-continues-narrow-tuesday.aspx

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/10/05/takeaways-on-americans-growing-partisan-divide-over-political-values/

Michael De La Cruz says:

April 22, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Hey Kelly, this is a great post.

In my opinion, I think it is necessary for political parties to evolve with the changes in public opinion, as to avoid a stagnant government that does not adapt to things like changes in technology. If our government fails to adapt to these changes, then our laws would never reflect the shifting political climate of the United States. This may lead to our government failing to protect certain groups and individuals from new and unforeseen threats to their political freedom.

One example of a contemporary issue that might affect the political climate of the United States is the issue of Artificial Intelligence. In a statement released by Human Rights professor Philip Alston, examples about how artificial intelligence might affect those in poverty was given to members of the United Nations. His report mentioned the fact that the potential for automation in the workforce might reduce the demand for labor which could lead to huge increases in poverty. His report also mentioned the use of privately-developed automated risk assessment systems in pre-trial release and custody decisions.

Our government needs to pay close attention to stories like these and realize that there is always change happening in society. In my opinion, the government must always seek to lean left in order to better adapt to changes like these. If stuck with conservative ideologies, new boundaries might not get pushed which would result in a stagnant society that breeds ignorance and intolerance.

Michael De La Cruz says:

April 22, 2018 at 4:44 pm

Source:
http://ohrh.law.ox.ac.uk/why-artificial-intelligence-is-already-a-human-rights-issue/

Holden Powers says:

April 23, 2018 at 10:36 pm

Kelly,

Thank you so much for your insightful post. I think the increase polarization between both Republicans and Democrats have to do with some of the modern issues we are experiencing today. When looking at the public’s opinions on guns. The democrats who have a more liberal ideology call for more gun control than they have before. Meanwhile Republicans with a conservative ideology are sung-ho on their 2nd amendment rights.

Not only is there a huge split in issues like gun control, we see similar ideologies being put into test with abortions. There definitely has been more of a stronger left wing push than anytime before and the Republicans with a general conservative ideology are not leaning in their stances. As a result, the divide is getting greater and greater between Democrats and Republicans.