Myths and Realities of American Political Geography

Edward Glaeser and Bryce Ward

No 11857, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: The division of America into red states and blue states misleadingly suggests that states are split into two camps, but along most dimensions, like political orientation, states are on a continuum. By historical standards, the number of swing states is not particularly low, and America's cultural divisions are not increasing. But despite the flaws of the red state/blue state framework, it does contain two profound truths. First, the heterogeneity of beliefs and attitudes across the United States is enormous and has always been so. Second, political divisions are becoming increasingly religious and cultural. The rise of religious politics is not without precedent, but rather returns us to the pre-New Deal norm. Religious political divisions are so common because religious groups provide politicians the opportunity to send targeted messages that excite their base.

JEL-codes: H7 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo and nep-pol
Note: DAE POL
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published as Glaeser, Edward L. and Bryce A. Ward. "Myths and Realities Of American Political Geography," Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2006, v20(2,Spring), 119-144.

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Journal Article: Myths and Realities of American Political Geography (2006)
Working Paper: Myths and Realities of American Political Geography (2006)
Working Paper: Myths and Realities of American Political Geography (2006)
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