Cited by 681Electoral Systems and Political ParticipationAmerican Political and Social DynamicsPolitical Theory and Democracy

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Ideological Realignment in the U.S. Electorate

Abramowitz, Alan I., Saunders, Kyle L.·1998·The Journal of Politics

DOI 10.2307/2647642

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Abstract

Using data from the 1976-1994 American National Election Studies and the 1992-94 ANES panel survey, this paper demonstrates that the outcomes of the 1994 and 1996 elections reflected a long-term shift in the bases of support and relative strength of the two major parties. This shift in the party loyalties of the electorate was based on the increased ideological polarization of the Democratic and Republican Parties during the Reagan and post-Reagan eras. Clearer differences between the parties' ideological positions made it easier for citizens to choose a party identification based on their policy preferences. The result has been a secular realignment of party loyalties along ideological lines.

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Authors: Abramowitz, A. I., & Saunders, K. L.
Affiliations: Emory University (US)
ORCID: Abramowitz, Alan I.
Saunders, Kyle L.
Venue: The Journal of Politics
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 1998-08
Volume: 60
Issue: 3
Pages: 634-652
ISSN: 0022-3816 (ISSN-L)
1468-2508
DOI: 10.2307/2647642
OpenAlex: W2052977165
Cited by: 681
References: 33
Citations by year: 2026: 20 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 84 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 36 · 2017: 33 · 2016: 38 · 2015: 31 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 48
FWCI: 20.11
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: The Journal of Politics (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Electoral Systems and Political Participation
Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › American Political and Social Dynamics
Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Political Theory and Democracy
Keywords: ideological realignment, party identification, partisan polarization, Democratic Party, Republican Party, policy preferences, 1994 midterm elections, 1996 presidential election, Reagan era, American National Election Studies, electoral realignment

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Ideological Realignment in the U.S. Electorate

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