Realignment

Definition

Realignment refers to a significant and lasting shift in the political landscape, particularly in the party system, where the alignment of voters and parties changes dramatically. This process often involves a transformation in party loyalty, ideology, and the demographic composition of political support, leading to new coalitions and a redefined electoral map.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realignment often occurs after critical elections, such as the presidential elections of 1932 and 1968, which led to significant shifts in party dominance and voter coalitions.
2. The process of realignment can be driven by various factors including major social changes, economic crises, or shifts in public opinion on key issues.
3. Realignments can lead to the emergence of new political parties or movements that better represent changing voter interests and ideologies.
4. Political realignments can result in long-term changes in partisan identification among voters, affecting how future elections are contested and won.
5. A realignment is usually marked by changes in voting patterns among key demographics, such as race, class, or geographic location, reflecting broader societal transformations.

Review Questions

• How does realignment reflect changes in voter demographics and party ideology?
  • Realignment reflects changes in voter demographics and party ideology by showcasing how shifts in societal values and priorities influence electoral behavior. For example, when certain demographic groups feel that their interests are no longer represented by their traditional party affiliation, they may shift their support to another party that aligns more closely with their beliefs. This change can result in a new coalition forming around different issues and values, effectively reshaping the political landscape.
• Evaluate the impact of critical elections on the process of realignment within the American political system.
  • Critical elections have a profound impact on the process of realignment within the American political system as they serve as pivotal moments that redefine party dynamics and voter allegiances. For instance, the election of 1932 marked a shift towards the Democratic Party due to widespread discontent with the Republican response to the Great Depression. Such elections often act as catalysts for broader changes in public opinion and can permanently alter the political map by establishing new partisan identities among voters.
• Analyze how economic crises can lead to realignment in political parties and voter support over time.
  • Economic crises often expose weaknesses in existing political systems and can prompt realignment as voters seek new solutions to pressing problems. For example, during periods of economic hardship, such as the Great Recession of 2008, many voters shifted their support from established parties to new or alternative ones that promised change. Over time, these shifts can result in lasting changes in partisan identification as voters reassess their loyalty based on how effectively each party addresses their needs during times of crisis.

Related terms

Critical Election: A critical election is an election that leads to a major realignment in party identification and voter behavior, typically resulting in a new dominant party emerging.

Party System: A party system is the way political parties are organized and interact with one another within a political framework, defining the dynamics of electoral competition.

Partisan Identification: Partisan identification is the psychological attachment of individuals to a political party, which influences their voting behavior and political preferences.