The American Party Polarization Dilemma: What's Next for America

Presenter and Advisor Information

Chase Beitz, Illinois Wesleyan University

Major

Political Science

Submission Type

Oral Presentation

Area of Study or Work

Political Science

Faculty Advisor

Jim Simeone

Location

CNS E104

Start Date

4-12-2025 8:30 AM

End Date

4-12-2025 9:30 AM

Abstract

In this continuation of the work I undertook during my Senior Seminar, I delve into the mechanisms and inner workings of the contemporary Republican party, seeking to enlighten viewers of my work with a sense of where electoral politics will be heading in the next decade. By examining critical swing seats in the Midwest, I try to uncover what really is driving electoral strategy within the Republican party. This work is key for understanding not only the American polarization dilemma but also furthering the finding of my previous work: that the Republican party is rapidly shifting in the direction of being “Trump’s party”. The findings of this work will be critical for future political scientists who seek to predict coming electoral trends. By taking the mask off a variety of variables, such as: redistricting, gerrymandering, demographic changes, geographic changes, and many of the numerous other factors involved, we will be able to predict electoral strategy and possibly even electoral outcomes for years to come. By the end of this work, viewers of my work will come to have a clearer understanding of what's coming next in the American political landscape.

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Apr 12th, 8:30 AM Apr 12th, 9:30 AM

The American Party Polarization Dilemma: What's Next for America

CNS E104

In this continuation of the work I undertook during my Senior Seminar, I delve into the mechanisms and inner workings of the contemporary Republican party, seeking to enlighten viewers of my work with a sense of where electoral politics will be heading in the next decade. By examining critical swing seats in the Midwest, I try to uncover what really is driving electoral strategy within the Republican party. This work is key for understanding not only the American polarization dilemma but also furthering the finding of my previous work: that the Republican party is rapidly shifting in the direction of being “Trump’s party”. The findings of this work will be critical for future political scientists who seek to predict coming electoral trends. By taking the mask off a variety of variables, such as: redistricting, gerrymandering, demographic changes, geographic changes, and many of the numerous other factors involved, we will be able to predict electoral strategy and possibly even electoral outcomes for years to come. By the end of this work, viewers of my work will come to have a clearer understanding of what's coming next in the American political landscape.