answersLogoWhite

0

In the United States, traditionally, the Republican Party has been the party of business, and thus attracted the majority of wealthy business owners and others interested in maintaining the status quo.

However, over the past 30 years since the Republican Party discovered the power of the Religious Conservative movement, their membership has swelled with heavily socially conservative voters, who tend to be considerably poorer than the typical "average" Republican of before. At the same time, many Republican Party policies have soured (particularly) small businesses owners, who have left. If I had to break it down on class levels, the Reps now are mostly Upper Upper Class (superrich), Upper Class (rich), Lower Middle Class, and Upper Lower Class folks.

On the other side, the Democratic party has long been heavily represented by blue-collar union workers, and the urban poor (typically, minorities). Over the past 30 years as the Republican Party has turned to social conservatism and pro-Big Business policies, the Democratic party has attracted two new constituencies: the middle/upper middle class highly educated, and the socially liberal wealthy. A substantial portion of the truly wealthy class in the US cannot support the social conservatism of the Republican Party, and thus have moved to the Democrats (even though it might not be in their own self-interest, economically). Similarly, a very large portion of those with a high level of education have become Democratic due to social policy, and these folks make up the Professional class (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.). In a similar generalization, I'd say the Democrats are now the majority in the Middle/Lower Lower Class.

The Upper Middle Class (well-off) still likely leans Republican, as that area includes a large number of retirees and older folks who are traditionally more socially conservative.

So, overall, I'd estimate that the breakdown of the two parties is (by wealth class):

Top 1%: 90% Rep, 10% Dem

Top 5%: 60% Rep, 40% Dem

Top 25%: 30% Rep, 70% Dem

Middle 50%: 50% Rep, 50% Dem

Bottom 25%: 70% Rep, 30% Dem

The bottom 25% is much more heavily Republican only because I'm counting those who ACTUALLY VOTE. Registration-wise, there is likely to be a Democratic edge in the bottom 50% of all voters (i.e more people registered Dem than Rep), but those registered Rep are more likely to actually vote in an election, so it turns out that it appears that there are more Rep than Dem votes in the lower 50%.

[Further note: the above goes to party registration only. About one-third of total voters consider themselves "Independent", though they may be registered with one party or the other. The voters tend to be the "swing" votes, as they will frequently support different parties in each election, whereas "solid" Republican/Democract supporters vote for their party in most elections. Those labeling themselves Independent tend to be mostly from the second quartile (i.e. 50-75% wealth bracket). That is, Independents tend to be Middle Class (of all stripes), not Upper or Lower class.]

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Which political party benefit from decrease income in Texas?

Which political party republican or democrat benefit when income in texas increases or decrease in other words which party has more wealthy voters and which has more poor voters.


What is a characteristic of a weakened political party?

there are more independent voters and people are now more educated to the corrupt nature of parties


Why do voters vote inline with their political party and not vote inline with what benefits them more?

Voters often align with their political party due to a combination of identity, socialization, and ideological beliefs that shape their views and values. Many individuals feel a sense of loyalty to their party, viewing it as a reflection of their identity, which can override personal interests. Additionally, party affiliation can influence perceptions of issues, leading voters to prioritize party platforms over specific benefits. This phenomenon can be reinforced by social and cultural factors, including family, community, and media influences that promote party loyalty.


What political party does the majority of today's voters affiliate?

In the United States, there are more registered Democrats than Republicans. The ratio is 3-2 in favor of the Democrat Party. However, with that being said both parties target the largest group of voters who are "independent" citizens without any registration to any party.


What political party does the majority of todays voters affiliate with?

In the United States, there are more registered Democrats than Republicans. The ratio is 3-2 in favor of the Democrat Party. However, with that being said both parties target the largest group of voters who are "independent" citizens without any registration to any party.


What was the belief of those opposed the formation of political parties?

Washington wrote that the party would be more concerned with it’s self than the voters common good.


What was the belief of those who opposed the formation of political parties?

Washington wrote that the party would be more concerned with it’s self than the voters common good.


The most significant way that political party primaries have helped to increase public interest in the political process is by enabling voters to?

Political party primaries have significantly increased public interest in the political process by enabling voters to engage directly in the selection of candidates, thereby giving them a sense of agency and involvement. These primaries often highlight key issues and debates, encouraging voters to educate themselves and participate more actively. Additionally, the competitive nature of primaries can energize grassroots movements and mobilize voter turnout, fostering a more engaged electorate. Ultimately, this process helps to create a more informed and participatory democracy.


What are the four factors that are weakening American political parties?

Four factors weakening American political parties include the rise of independent voters, increased polarization leading to ideological extremes, the influence of social media and technology on political discourse, and a decline in party loyalty among voters. Additionally, the growing prevalence of primary elections can lead to candidates catering to more extreme party factions, further fracturing party unity. These dynamics challenge the traditional party structure and hinder effective governance.


Why has party loyalty declined?

Party loyalty has declined due to several factors, including increased political polarization, the rise of independent voters, and greater access to diverse media sources that expose individuals to a wider range of viewpoints. Additionally, disillusionment with traditional party platforms and candidates has led many voters to prioritize issues over party affiliation. Social movements and demographic shifts have also contributed to a more fluid political landscape where loyalty to a party is less rigid.


When would you use a political map?

political map is used to show borders and boundaries which help us to know the size of a country,extension,etc.


What kind of primary does texas have?

Texas has an open primary system in which all registered voters are allowed to participate. However, a voter may only vote in one Party's primary. You may not vote, or participate, in more than one political party's primary election.