Discuss the ideological transformation of the Democratic Party from the 1960s through the present.

What will be an ideal response?


During the 1960s anti–Vietnam War sentiment threatened the existence of the Democratic Party. During the early 1970s there was an ideological shift to the left that took it out of the mainstream. Not until the 1990s under Bill Clinton did it begin a shift back to the mainstream. The Democratic Leadership Council was key to this shift. During the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore likely lost support due to the D.L.C. position. In 2004 Democrats gained support even from voters who did not necessarily agree with party ideology due to the unpopularity of President George Bush. That same unpopularity helped then candidate Barack Obama draw support from across the ideological spectrum, which ultimately helped him win the election. Although there are still questions as to where the party will go after Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016, generally speaking, the ideological divide within the party has been easier to manage than that of their Republican opponents.

Political Science

You might also like to view...

Universal suffrage is a common principle of democratic and non-democratic regimes

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Political Science

Decisions about unincorporated areas of counties are made by _____

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Political Science

Briefly explain the roles of legislative proposals and revision commissions in amending state constitutions

What will be an ideal response?

Political Science

How have presidents in general responded to the War Powers Resolution?

A) They have followed it to the letter. B) They have generally ignored it. C) They have worked with Congress to abide by its principles. D) They have followed parts of it. E) They have been forced by the courts to abide by it.

Political Science