How are contemporary demographic

shifts changing the political climate?

Who are the American people (and how do we know?)

Political Culture is an overall set of values widely shared within a society that
shapes political behavior. It includes moral judgments, political myths, beliefs
and ideas about what makes for a good society.
American Political Culture?

Who are the American people? (and how do we know?)

Demography - science of human populations

Key tool: the Census (req. by the Constitution every 10 years since
1790; carried out by the U.S. Census Bureau) collects demographic info
such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, etc.
Necessary for congressional reapportionment (number of
congressional districts each state is entitled to)

Changes in US pop, as reflected in the census, impacts our culture and

political system

Congressional reapportionment, 2010 gains and losses

Who are the American people? (and how do we know?)

Public opinion polls:
The study of American public opinion aims to understand the
distribution of the populations belief about politics and policy issues
Public opinion polls survey public opinion from a sample designed
to reflect the opinions of a population by conducting a series of
questions and then extrapolating generalities (ie. the Gallup Poll)
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STUDY AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION?

Recent demographic changes in American society

1. THE MINORITY MAJORITY

Recent demographic changes in American society

The Minority Majority: It is estimated that by the mid-21st century, the US
will cease to have a white, generally Anglo-Saxon majority
ie. US Census Bureau predicts that by 2042 US residents who identify as Hispanic,
Black, Asian, Indian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander will together outnumber those
who identify as Non-Hispanic White
Culmination of three major waves of immigration
HOW DO THESE CHANGES ALTER THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE?

recent demographic changes in American society

2. REGIONAL SHIFT

recent demographic changes in American society

Regional Population Shifts
Since 1970s population shift toward the Sun Belt
ie. Floridas population grew by 24% b/w 1990 and 2000; TX 23%; whereas the Northeast grew
only by 5% and in many areas showed a loss of population
Why is this important politically?

Why is this trend occuring?

recent demographic changes in American society

3. The Graying of America

recent demographic changes in American society

The Graying of America
65+ is fastest growing age group in the US
WHY?
-longer life spans due to medical advancements
-birth rate has declined
-aging of the baby boomer population
What political significance does this have?