To what extent has US voting behaviour changed over the past 25 years and with what impact?

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To what extent has US voting behaviour changed over the past 25 years and with what impact?

Prior to the 1970s the presidential office had been predominantly occupied by elected Democrats, Franklin D. Roosevelt (1932-52), John F. Kennedy (1960-1963) and Lyndon B Johnson (1963-68). A dominance built primarily upon the loyalty black in the north and whites in the south, as well as intellectuals, labour union members, ethnic minorities, industrial workers and farmers; emanating from the New Deal Coalition introduced in 1930s. This policy secured the support of minorities with a moderate welfare programme including greater federal involvement in economic affairs. Difficulties such as racial prejudice and segregation created friction amongst Democratic voters with conflicting interests between northern blacks and southern whites. Protests for racial equality during the 50s and 60s gained support from the Democrats, President Johnson’s package of Great Society measures incorporating unheralded voting rights with the creation of the Voting Rights Act (1965). Furthermore initiatives on various issues such as education, health, employment, housing and welfare convinced blacks to support the Democrats. However, unsurprisingly the move angered the southern white core voters who were destined to lose out, many opted to switch allegiances to the Republicans. This law had huge significance for US politics, previously white politicians could confidently ignore the needs and desires of black citizens, secure in the knowledge this sizeable social group was unable to influence any election outcome. However this landmark development ensured blacks could no longer continue unnoticed by politicians and making it possible for black candidates to stand for election.

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During the 1960s, the key issue of the Vietnam War dominated US politics and led to an increase in volatility amongst inner-city industrial workers. Blue-collar employees were angered by the proportion of their children assigned to fight in the war whilst middle-class, college students remained at home, many felt alienated by the Democrats. Alienated by their party, further affirmative action left southern whites disgruntled, losing employment opportunities, housing and income through heightened taxes to blacks as the Democrats attempted to continue their responsive approach and eradicating racial deficits.

Since 1968, America has entertained a primarily Republican tenureship, ...

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