Asymmetric Politics

Ideological Republicans and Group Interest Democrats

David A Hopkins author Matt Grossman author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:13th Oct '16

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Asymmetric Politics cover

The Republican Party is best understood as the vehicle of an ideological movement whose leaders prize commitment to conservative doctrine; Republican candidates primarily appeal to voters by emphasizing broad principles and values. In contrast, the Democratic Party is better characterized as a coalition of social groups seeking concrete government action from their allies in office, with group identities and interests playing a larger role than abstract ideology in connecting Democratic elected officials with organizational leaders and electoral supporters. Building on this core distinction, Asymmetric Politics investigates the most consequential differences in the organization and style of the two major parties. Whether examining voters, activists, candidates, or officeholders, Grossman and Hopkins find that Democrats and Republicans think differently about politics, producing distinct practices and structures. The analysis offers a new understanding of the rise in polarization and governing dysfunction and a new explanation for the stable and exceptional character of American political culture and public policy.

Grossmann and Hopkins cite dozens of political scientists, from Robert Lane, Nelson Polsby, and Theodore Lowi to Larry Bartels, Morris Fiorina, and Daniel Galvin; borrow from other disciplines, such as history, sociology, and communications; and vigorously project to readers the facts of their case. The result is an outstanding piece of political science research, synthesis, and analysis, whose authors lay out findings about the differing virtues and shortcomings of both parties so that this information will be available to ordinary citizens, activists, and the nation as a whole. * Perspectives on Politics *
"In total, Asymmetric Politics successfully paints a comprehensive and accessible portrait of contemporary party politics. * - ELIZABETH N. SIMAS, University of Houston, Political Science Quarterly *

ISBN: 9780190626600

Dimensions: 155mm x 231mm x 15mm

Weight: 590g

416 pages