The Divided States of America: The Role of Political Ideology

• In Event: Trust and Partisanship

Abstract

The United States of America might aptly be described as the Divided States of America. Americans are clearly divided along political lines, which are readily observable in survey data. Yet divisions go much deeper than partisanship or party identification. Where do these divisions originate? What areas of life do they impact? Are divisions only relevant in formal politics or do they permeate areas of life beyond formal politics?

This project will address the role of political ideology both within and outside of government. First, the influence of ideology in politics is examined – specifically the presidential campaign process. It will then examine the influence of ideology on domestic and foreign policy. Finally, the project will address the role of ideology outside the formal sphere of government by presenting case studies that examine the role of ideology in explaining public reaction to artists.

Author

• Lara A Wessel, Georgia Southern University