Political party realignment in most U.S. sates over the past 20-30 years.
Realignments of political parties refers to the changes in party affiliation by individuals. It’s a state where the people who vote for them change dramatically and in huge numbers. In most instances it influenced by individuals’ view at the policies of a party or t leadership with regards to individuals and national issues. Major historical events and demographics also influence realignment.
Realignment dates back to 1890w, 1930s, and 1960-70s. All this were influenced by populists movements majorly influenced by critical issues that may have changed individual voters’ complete view on a part (Kuttner, 2016). Generally, states vote as a block with regards to the presidential vote. For the last 30 years, factors that may have influenced the way people view their political parties include terrorism activities in and outside the US, inversion of Middle East countries, view of religion and human rights, tax laws and the general economic growth. This affected individual states voting as many voters associated a candidate with his party. This influenced the changeover from Democrats to republicans to democrats and then to republicans from 1990s to date (Sinclair, 1977). The bush administration was associated with foreign inversions/war while the Obama administrations were associated with controversial laws ranging from foreign relation to basic health care. Instinctively, this influenced the voting in the states. On average, both parties have enjoyed the alienation of votes from most states in equal measures.
Demographic effects on Democratic Party
Factors that are affecting the DP positively are the dwindling approval ratings of President Trump as well as the eminent retirement of house speaker Paul Ryan. Notably, these two individuals who have by and large held the Republics influence at large. Recent research by CNN and SurveyUSA has placed the democrats “blue wave” phenomenal on a rise as their gap indicates an upward surge to the republicans. If this continues, the democrats are bound to retake the house and senate majority in a matter of time (Zhou, 2018). Also its time for the midterm elections, which historically tend to work against the current president party. Another factor is the willingness of Democrats voters to turn out for the elections by 51% as opposed to republicans and independents combined 49%
References
Kuttner, Robert. “Challenges for the New Administration.” Presentation at the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics at the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, November 15, 2016.
Sinclair, Barbara Deckard. “Party Realignment and the Transformation of the Political Agenda: The House of Representatives, 1925-1938.” The American Political Science Review71, no. 3 (1977): 940-953
Zhou, Li. Is the blue wave crashing? 11 experts on Democrats’ chances in 2018.https://www.vox.com/2018/6/7/17427014/blue-wave-democrats-generic-ballot-midterms

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