Describe the similarities and difference between the Occupy Wall Street movement and the emergence of the tea party. How do U.S. society and the U.S. political system enable the emergence of these groups? Provide specific examples where appropriate.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers should address how both groups were in opposition to “politics as usual” in Washington, and both were focused on domestic issues (primarily the U.S. economy), but they also shared strong views on foreign policy. Members of the tea party were generally conservative and sought a more populist tradition of small government. They believed the United States should have a strong military, restrict immigration, and use a forceful hand in trade policies with China. The Occupy Wall Street movement was inspired by the Arab Spring protests and consisted mostly of liberal demonstrators who opposed the extreme concentration of wealth. Answers should also address the most relevant conditions of the U.S. political system that enable these groups: a fragmented governmental structure, a robust societal structure, and numerous policy networks.