We've known for decades that party de-alignment has been taking place, in which more and more Americans are identifying less with our two major political parties. Now, according to some polls, independents outnumber both Republicans and Democrats. One scholar thinks that independents are changing the game in Washington, most notably the Tea Party.
In U.S. politics, the independents have it
I think that the independent party is only going to grow from here. As the minorities slowly become majorities of the country, more and more ideas are going to be mixed and dealign with the two major parties, and align with the independents.
ReplyDeleteDeshna period 3
Just like we have discussed in class, candidates must appeal to all people with different political beliefs but at the same time stick to the ideologies of their own parties.
ReplyDeleteDeshna.
I'm glad to see more independents standing up. It's hard to make things work in Washington. With radicals on both ends of the spectrum - conservatives and liberals - gridlock is prominent due to their stubbornness. As more independents draw their attention, something might actually get better. Our leaders were elected to act on the will of their people. With more and more independents, our leaders must be willing to compromise not only for the sake of their reelections, but also for the sake of the country's well being. Bipartisanship I believe is what is most necessary in Washington. The fact that more tea party representatives and third party voices are finally standing up and being hear is a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteSam Yassa Per. 3
I actually found the article to be very intriguing. I believe that it was saying that indepedents have so much leeway and/or freedom of choice, that they can make parties do there biding. However, at the same time it said that we should still have independent parties allowed. In conclusion to this, I must agree with the fact that independents should still stay, but I do disagree with that they will soon create the ability of the parties to do what they want. I think that it is safe to say that first of all, not all independents are the same. An independent merely means that they simply either take in several views from all existing parties, or they just don't care. Either way, independents can not obtain a large amount of control even if they contain alot of leeway of choice in what and who they support. In fact, I actually think that independents are the majority of choice that people are sticking with right now, and they certainlgy do not have control. If anything, I think that being an independent is a harmless choice that is the farthest thing as a threating faction.
ReplyDeleteQuinton Goodman
P.3
Although there are growing number of independents, there are still only two parties in which can win the election. Both, having to attempt to win the independents over by campaigning strategies or slightly conforming to a few of the independent ideas. And as a diverse country as we are, numerous more ideas and opinions will surface, leading to the parties making sure that they recognize those opinions. The independents may be affecting the parties by not voting or creating some kind of third party, taking votes away from the other two , like we discussed in class.
ReplyDeleteKim Hao
p2
Even with independents growing by the minute, with different people representing this politcal party. Even though we run a two party system..this can slowly change. Because,in class we talked about how some third parties take the votes away from the other two major political parties. Also, the Republicans and Democratics both have to try to win the independents votes to help their elected candidate, meanwhile the independents have to hold on to their ideologies...But i think independents wouldn't be able to pull enough people to cast in their votes for an elected official in the white house. It be cool to see but they're going to need a majority of votes from people.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Period 3
No!!!!
DeleteXO
--vrod
<3
With the increase of independents and the decrease of the other two major parties citizens are now more in the middle then ever. They choose not to choose pretty much. Though they are independents and for the most party stay that way they do have opinions that lean towards one major party or the other. I don't think the independents could ever gain enough power to become a strong political group just because their group itself is so diverse within itself that their would be many conflicts within the party itself thus, separating into smaller third parties or join the two major parties.
ReplyDeleteVanessa rodriguez
P 3
From what i can tell in this article, both the Democratic and Republican party are going to have their hands full. Mainly from the fact that the continual increase in independent Americans may limit the few chances that these major parties have of swaying them in their favor and in turn win presidential/congressional elections. If this continues to happen, nothing will be solved mainly because both major parties would most likely result in a gridlock phase, while Vanessa Rodriguez said, independents may try to gain political power for their group but struggle internally due to the lack of cooperation of their diverse ideals. If you ask me, only time will tell what happens next...
ReplyDeleteBryan Quiambao
Period 3
I feel as if the number of Independents will continue to grow in this country. We are still a people of opinion but we no longer are a people to conform to another person's ideas. I feel the Independent party may eventually out grow the Republican and Democratic party in the long run. We will have to wait and see!
ReplyDelete-Jaylin Stevenson
Per. 2
Keep in mind that being an independent is not the same as being a member of an Independent Party. "Tea Party" voters are still largely Republican; but they're willing to vote for a Democrat if the Republican candidate doesn't bend to their will.
DeleteI feel that the increased registration of independents in this country has had a 3rd party effect. Because many voters have de-alignment from the two major parties it seems that the republican and democratic ideologies are no longer suited for the average American. Ultimately, the issues that major parties practically refuse to address are—many times—issues the people want to hear about; this leaves a perfect avenue for independents to gain popularity. Over time, we might see the emergence of an independent party, but for now the adoption of their issues by the two major parties seems to suffice.
ReplyDeleteSarah Alaniz
period 3
You're right. As long as the major parties adopt the goals of the "factions" within, we won't see a major third party emerge.
DeleteI feel like the number of registered voters who declare themselves independent will only increase from here on out. Just like Deshna stated, minorities are slowly starting to become the majority which contributes to the dealignment with the two major parties. The increase in independents means that fewer and fewer people are siding with the major parties and therefore don't really find themselves sharing the same ideology with either the republican or democratic parties. As we stated in class, the major parties try their best to avoid critical issues for their campaign might suffer severely. However, independents aren't afraid to discuss those issues and fight for what they truly see is fit for our nation. It is becoming apparent that these two major parties simply aren't enough for the American citizen anymore.
ReplyDeleteSahil Dhaliwal
Per. 3
I'm not sure what you and Deshna mean by the rise of minorities. I don't see a connection between a more "ethnic" America and a more "independent" America. Hispanics, particularly Mexican-Americans, vote Democratic. Asians tend to lean Republican. Are we seeing a disproportionate shift of minorities to the independents? I'm not aware of that.
DeleteLike Sahil and Deshna said, there is dealignment occurring between our nation's two main parties because of the fact that with more immigraiton, there comes more citizens who do not share the somewhat extreme, black/white ideology that the two main parties have. Although I do not feel that an independent party will ever rise above, I know that they are definitely playing a role in our government. They force the two main parties to cater to their views. I say that I don't think an independent party would ever rise above because not enough independents share the same exact ideology to be able to put one of their own in office. The Reps/Dems parties are umbrellas for many different ideologies.
ReplyDeleteYasmine Andrawis
p2
See my reply above . . .
DeleteIn america there is a growing number of independents. There are many causes of this growth but in all we must look at the big picture. Are the two major parties going to let this continue to happen or are they going to start widening their umbrellas in order to listen to the new group of independents. It could be possible that the new independents could rally together to make a new party against the two major ones now. However that will only happen if the two parties let that happen because they are the ones that make the rules.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Hannan pd 3
America political systems are seeing an increase in the number of independents due to the increasing numbers of citizens who are drifting away from the two major political parties. Although these independent parties will most likely never make it into the White House, they are playing a very important role in our political system by making the two major parties bend and see the independents' views on major conflicts. I think that the Republicans and Democrats should start listening a little more to the independent politicians’ views and ideology.
ReplyDeleteChelsea Straight Per. 3
I feel the number of independents will continue to grow like the comments above say. I think that it not only because of the increased number of immigrants but also because of the economic turmoil happening in the country. They might be seeing that if one party doesn't work then maybe the other side might work. There does seem to be a dealignment thought between the two parties but they will have to find a way to get their ideas similar to that of the independents ideas with them when it comes to getting their vote.
ReplyDeleteKatherine Barragan
Period: 3
I believe that we should not change our Two-party system. For clarification purposes, a Two-party system means that there are two parties that are much bigger than the others. It does not mean that there are only two parties. Third parties are able to force the two other major parties to adopt various policies such as labor. In addition, the third parties allow undecided votes to still participate in the democratic parties, thus limiting one or both of the major parties. Third parties are necessary in maintaining our Two-party system and we should encourage their growth. The increase in third parties does not mean we should change the Two-party system, it just means that the Two-party system is working to keep the two major parties in check. It is still possible that a third party can replace one of the two major parties.
ReplyDelete~Nathan Shen
Period 3
After reading the article, it is nice to see the opinions and effect that the independents have. It's pretty obvious that there is a growing amount independents and a dealignment of people from the two major political parties in America. But who didn't see this coming ? The two "black and white" parties only cover two differing opinions on American politics. It does not cover all the beliefs that people may have. This is where people decide to be an independent citizen and dealign from the Democrats and Republicans. I would assume that more immigrants would be individuals, if anything, as compared to true Americans. But then again, what is a true American ? Anyway, I feel like the amount of independent individuals will continue to grow and this is a good thing because people should have the right to stand for their own beliefs, as to being pushed into a certain political party. So yay for independents !
ReplyDelete- Kathy Hu
Period 2
I, too, feel refreshed by the Tea Party movement. They've received a lot of criticism in the media for being responsible for the gridlock in Washington, but it's fresh, invigorating, and let's face it: members of the Tea Party feel effective when a lot of us aren't. They're efficacy has got to be higher than the average voter, because they are seeing their anger/concern/views/etc. being turned into election victories and legislative victories.
DeleteThe increasing number of independents is the cause of Americans moving away from the two major political parties. This group is playing an important role in our political system by making the other two parties look at its views on major conflicts. I think that the number of independents will continue to increase based on the current economic hardship.
ReplyDeleteYostina Halaka
Period 3
While I may not agree with the tea-party, I do find their activism admirable. Independent parties do have the strength in the fact that they can shape the main parties ideology by bringing up growing issues that the two main parties may have ignored if it weren't for the independents. So, to a degree, third parties can ensure that more people's concerns are heard, even if their part member isn't elected.
ReplyDeleteKelsey Harper
Per. 3
See my comment to Kathy above . ..
DeleteMany Americans today are straying away from the Democrat and Republican ideologies. I feel that this dealignment is not a bad thing. The independents raise awareness on issues the American people want to see get solved. I believe that the number of independents in this country will continue to grow and in response to this, the two major parties will broaden their beliefs in order to appeal to more people.
ReplyDeleteKarina Jonas
Period 3
Independent parties are actually beneficial in my opinion. While third parties raise an issue and give it up to a major party, the independents such as the Tea Party have the determination and power to actually make something happen. Independents are also beneficial because they can see the best of both worlds. They are not truly tied to the label of either Democrat or Republican, so they don't have that pressure to cater specifically to that party's beliefs. Of course, a lot of the independent parties have leaned one way or another, but I feel like overall they can see the bigger picture. Their enthusiasm and determination helps them accomplish things, which in turn makes them favorable to the population as the government continues to work through gridlock.
ReplyDelete-Madison Pickham, Period 3
I think many americans are getting tired of the constant argument and gridlock between the Democratic and Republican parties. This could be causeing the increase of Americans dealigning with the two parties and recognizing the independant party.
ReplyDeleteliz p.3
The number of voters who call themselves independents is definitely on the rise possibly due to, as Deshna, Sahil, Yas, and others have pointed out, immigration. I believe that this number will continue to increase over time due to all the reasons we have discussed in class. Between mistrust, lower efficacy, voter apathy, and just general feelings of dissatisfaction voter loyalty to our two main parties are definitely on the decrease. Although I am skeptical about a minor party becoming so dominant as to compete nationally, I do feel that all the ruckus the independents are making is sure to grab the attention of major parties and maybe make them address the issues of the minority groups they represent.
ReplyDeleteChristine Noche
Per. 2
Once again, I don't know where you guys are coming from. If anything, immigrants have lower efficacy and turnout. They're not gravitating toward third party movements; they can't even get to the polls. I'd be curious to see what percentage of minority voters are dealigning compared to whites.
DeleteIt makes sense that more people are becoming independents. Very few Americans have closely similar ideals, so through the these third parties, more people are able to connect with certain parties. but they can still be under the umbrella of one of the two parties, influencing them to pay attention to what they feel is right. I fully encourage this increase in political competition, because with single-issue emphasis from these smaller parties, a stronger republican and democratic parties will be made. That way, more people would be happy with the two-party system.
ReplyDeleteHaley Shepherd. Period 2.
It is true that American voters these days are frustrated with the pressure to vote or claim themselves with one of the two parties. It is obvious that more people are identifying with the independent party. Not only because they don't want to "belong" or "be tied down" to a single party but because they can't agree with all of the principles of Republicans and Democrats. There are very few individuals who actually agree and support every single thing one party is labeled as. It makes sense that the number of independents is higher than those who identify with Republicans or Democrats. I believe that in time there will be very few people who call themselves true Republicans or true Democrats.
ReplyDeleteKelsi Holton
Period 3
I'm not so sure about that, but at least we can say that the two major can never get too comfortable. Remember, there have been successful third party movements in the past, and the Republicans and Democrats did not suffer membership in the long run.
DeleteThis is the stuff America is made of. Fighting for your principles and making the political parties cater to YOU not the other way around. The rise of independents is the rise of more liberty and equality in America. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard in the government especially if we pay taxes. So once the government becomes desperate to get our vote instead of us desperate to find someone we can kind of like the better it is for everyone.
ReplyDeleteWell put. I'm still convinced, however, that a certain number of fundamental problems with our system (many of which we have not discussed in class yet) will have to be corrected before "politics as usual" is turned on its head.
DeleteIt's evident that the independent party is just going to grow from here. There's a lot of pressure when it comes to which party you will vote for. So people are getting overwhelmed and are in a way being rebels. People just don't find themselves connected to any parties. They don't like to feel that they are only committed to one party's view so they claim themselves as independent. The voter apathy and lower efficacy are also just proof for the rise of independent views.
ReplyDeleteRimsha Younas P2.
Deletei like the ideal of there being more independents because there is too much gridlock nowadays. Both parties aren't letting each other do anything and that's just stupid. With more independents on the way things could and should get better more or less in Washington.
ReplyDeleteBraxton Matthews P.3
So far, everyone approves of the growing trend of dealignment. Most of you feel this is a good development. But I wonder: what are you all going to do when you start voting this June and November? Will you choose a political party when it comes time to register? How many of you will truly be able to vote for the best candidate, regardless of his/her party affiliation? We admire (or envy) the independent spirit, but very few of us would ever cast a TRUE independent vote for a legitimate third party. Instead, we find ourselves using the Republican party or Democratic party as a vehicle to express our outrage by choosing a non-traditional Rep or Dem, rather than a legitimate third party candidate.
ReplyDeleteIn this blog I'm not going to argue why I agree with the two party system as I did in the last blog, however, the two party system allows third parties like the tea party for example to influence the major parties. Though a candidate from a small third party has no chance, the main purpose of this group was not to implement their own leader into office because as the article states, there is no official leader, though Bachman, Palin, and other figures play a large role. Instead, they impose that the current government along with other candidates for future elections comprise their actions of the fundamental beliefs of the tea party, such as reducing spending and minimizing government intervention. The groups share major ideologies with major parties and often differ on only social beliefs or current events--events that are short term or passion driven. Thus why exhaust a candidate from a third party when major influential factors can be attributed to the nominee of the democratic or republican party.
ReplyDeleteMichael Tomey
Period 2
That's true. It is often short-term or passion-driven. Look at the 1896 election, when William Jennings Bryan, the Populist, ran as the nominee for the Democratic candidate.
DeleteI think it's funny how independents have grown in number as a result of Americans supposedly being fed up with our two major parties. No where in the Constitution does it call for us to have parties at all, they are entirely an invention of American citizens. It's human nature to want to break things down to their most basic definition, which is why the two main parties are either for or against any given issue. But now, with the rise of the independent party and Americans who chose not to affliate with Democrats or Republicans, that line has been blurred. It's no longer black and white but grey. Anyways, I don't really approve of the amount that register independent because I feel that the scope of Dmocrats and Republicans is broad enough and having all these minor parties or people who will vote a split ticket leads to inaction on the part of the government. Now, they have to pander to the little guy and with so many, you can't please everyone.
ReplyDeleteAlex Santrach
Period 2
I feel that is makes sense and is completely fair that more and more people are gravitating towards an independent party. Public view is constantly undergoing a certain evolution, that with our society's higher education level, gives many the power to form multiple beliefs that do no fit in a certain mold. However, Mr. Cavanaugh made a good point that although we have all of these independent party identifiers, not many will make the truly independent vote in the upcoming Presidential Election. Most Americans will vote for the major parties because it is what they are exposed to most through the media even though their beliefs still do not perfectly coincide with a major political party. I think it is good that Americans are challenging the mold that their beliefs are supposed to fit.
ReplyDelete-Claire Freeman
Period 3
I believe third parties play a huge role in politics today, a much greater role than they are given credit too. They are also a reason that the number of independent voters are increasing as well, I believe. As we discussed in class, third parties play a "spoiler" role in politics today, bringing up topics that major political candidates will not bring up; topics that much of the public is eager to know about. These third parties bring them up due to the fact that they have nothing to lose, which I believe attracts voters, due to the fact that they are not just trying to give off a "good reputation." By doing this they appear as more "real" to their audience which I believe is essential in politics today. Without these third parties, or independents supporting them, I believe politics would be more corrupt than it is now.
ReplyDeleteCody Wallace
Per. 3
I find myself agreeing with a lot of the issues of the Tea Party Movement so hopefully they can affect positive change on the Republican Party and make it better. I wouldn't vote for a third party though--don't want to waste my vote. As for the independence of independents, it's hard to stand up straight without a back bone, but if by independence we mean that they have the freedom to grab hold of whomever(Dems/ Reps) they choose to help them stand up straight, then by all means, independents have independence. (I'm kinda teasing)
ReplyDeleteLucas Richichi
P2
Well I see the independent party as anything but a bad thing, I mean afterall the US has this two-party system going, & not anytime soon will there be a 3rd party who will have risen up to become a major party. But the independent parties I believe still have a major role because they bring up issues that normally the republican or democrat party may not have, & it seems, to what we have talked about in class, that this is what the people are actually concerned about, & sometimes these issues are what can really make make it or break it to voters on their current views, but I think it's only fair to us, we the people of the united states, that we know about our canidents & we are sure & will be happy with our vote. & finally I think that the republican & democratic parties can learn from this, insuch a way so they can sort of open their horizoins to more & more people, & they can truly win that popular vote.
ReplyDeletepriscilla mewborne
p. 3
Yes, independents are slowly growing. But, in reality, we ARE still a two party system and i don't see that changing any time soon. Third parties do have a big impact on the two major parties but the third parties still don't have enough money to get their names out there so still people don't know who they are.
ReplyDeleteBrandi Henry
per. 3
The two party system in America will always prevail. Third parties such as the Green and Libertarian Parties will never become part or the majority. However, factions of major parties acting as third parties do have a chance of making change. Just like the Tea Party, if a minority wants to make change, the best thing for them to do is to join either republicans or democrats, and then create a faction fighting for what the party believes is correct. That is when an independent party can create change. Complete dealignment is not the answer, a less severe version of it is.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Nasrallah
Period 2
It seems as if more and more Americans no longer believe in just the Democratic and Republican ideologies. The two major political parties tend to ward off issues that would decrease the amount of votes for their party to win. So, the minor parties and independents are given the incentive to organize issues that major parties do not concern themselves with. Thus, the independents gain the favor of the citizens.
ReplyDeleteAmericans are moving "away from dominant political tribes that are justifiably leaking market share and toward [the idea of] individuals who are fed up with bipartisan logjams that produce asinine policies." Presently, the issues raised by the major parties are adequate enough to where no third or independent party has emerged.
--Michelle Young, Period 2
I feel like more people are starting to de-align with major parties and join independent parties and I think people will continue to de-align. The 2 major parties don't cover every issue that Americans have and citizens are finding themselves aligning with political parties that share their same views and opinions. However I feel like America will stay a two party system because most people in independent parties end up voting for a canidate in the 2 major parties. I think independent parties are a good thing and help to give people a different perspective on important issues and have an impact on the major parties, but in reality, they won't win.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Tenchavez
Period 2
I too do not see anything wrong with a raising number of independents in America. This rise goes to show that people are beginning to stand up for their own beliefs instead of succumbing to the preexisting pressures of choosing between those of Republicans or Democrats. All Americans deserve to hold a title in the political field that holds some sort of significance and the existence of independents further ensures this. However, I do feel that the rise in the number of those classified as independent does not have an effect as immense as is believed. Just because a person categorizes themselves as independent does not automatically mean that they have high political efficacy and are extremely active in politics, like those in the article are perceived.
ReplyDeleteBrianna Banks
Period 3
Third parties do in fact play a spoiler role in politics somewhat, but they also raise issues. They seem to truly represent Americans as we are today--confused. Americans cannot seem to be on the same page, even within the same party. The Independent party is that safe haven. However, I believe that there is arguably no point in registering independent unless you are actually intending to vote for the independent third party candidate. For example, Tea Party members are aiming to get other Tea Party members in office, but the registered independents that simply cannot choose between each candidate until election day, lessen the unknowns by picking a party, at the end of the day one can still vote whichever party. I am not entirely convinced that third parties, like the Tea Party, are going to cause much more than the movements they already have. They are not taking over, just chipping away slowly.
ReplyDeleteCarolina Guzman
Period 2
Nathan's got a point when he reminds us that a 2 party system has multiple parties, but only 2 dominate. With this in mind, we know that the other parties such as the Tea Party will most likely never be a major one, but do influence the other parties. The Tea Party's actions with the Republicans are getting some legislative work done; work that can only be accomplished if the party acts as an attachment on a major one. "90... representatives and senators [sent] to Washington" with Tea Party ideology is a step in the right direction for this party and others like it.
ReplyDelete-Kasim Manekia
Period 2
I believe that it's okay sometimes to align yourself with the party that you're affiliated with and perhaps vote for the candidate in your party even if you are unfamiliar with his position on topics. Though we have different ideologies, we fit into our respective parties (if so) for a reason--we share common beliefs and stances on topics. I laud the Tea Party for their considerable influence on the major parties , though some may be blaming them for the gridlock in Washington. Hey, at least they're doing more than you and I!
ReplyDeleteThe two main parties that currently exist disagree on many issues. They often go in opposite directions. An average person's ideology falls somewhere in between. People tend to side with the party they agree with the most. However, recently, more people are registering as independent. Third parties are necessary in order to bring up topics that the main parties are reluctant to mention. Third parties do have a significant effect on the major two parties. Since the two cover a broad spectrum of views, the third parties' can be absorbed. As far as de-alignment goes, it does not seem to be a big deal whether or not people stick to one party, as long as what they vote for is heard.
ReplyDeleteKimi Kim, Period 3.
I agree with the opinion that the independent party is beneficial. It allows people to express their ideas without fear of ridicule from not voting with their specific party. This could also be simply that as the years have gone by the opinion of American voters has become as diverse as the people who make up the nation. Now everyone is starting to formulate their own ideas of what they believe is right. Perhaps this may lead to an independent party member to become president...but for right now, most independents choose the republican or democratic president that represents and agrees with their own views the most. And maybe this is what keeps the independent party from taking presidency...i think someone mentioned this earlier.. that independents use republican and democratic candidates as a vessel to make sure their opinions heard. If a republican or democratic candidate fails to appeal to a majority of these independent voters maybe then we will see a upset in our 2 party system and have an independent president.
ReplyDeleteAlfred Pina
Per 3.
So the Tea Party is growing, I agree with everyone really, third parties give the two major parties a lot of ideas and break the ice by mentioning issues these parties cannot. However I find it hard to believe there are so many independents out there everyone leans somewhat Republican or Democrat on the ballots, they probably just feel more comfortable saying they're in the middle somewhere. So yeah, I really don't see our two party system going anywhere anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteFacundo Sirri
Period 2
^^^ I'm sure it's not that they feel more comfortable voting democratic or republican, but more that they feel that they should vote which ever one agrees with them most. Because if you are one of the many Americans who claim to be independent you are not just going to (hopefully) sit back and do nothing while you let the republicans and democrats do all the work and I agree I feel like this third part independent thing is a good step. Because obviously we have more than two point of views in this country and to not have at least one other option limits us too much
ReplyDeleteTamara p3.
I believe this article overstates the importance of the Tea Party movement. It is a movement within a party that spans across a relatively homogeneous demographic: it can guide the party, but it is STILL in the party and not truly "independent." The Occupy movement is truly independent and the writers of this article should have waited a little longer to note their observations on American political culture.
ReplyDeleteThe growth of independents among voters weakens democratic strength, which is best organized through (more than TWO) numerous political parties committed to representing a common cause or a position in the two major conflicts of the system: the class war and the war between the individual and society that has persisted since the Earth's homo sapiens reproduced to bring their head count up to three, and thus forming a society.
Political parties, and many more than they have now, are needed to save America from the oppressors of the system that dominates us all. The parties must grab hold of the system through government, organized and with a platform of principles, to defend liberty, equality, and democracy.
Independents and dealignment weakens democracy. Third parties strengthen them.
Case closed.
Maliq L. Nixon
Period 3
I think in an ever growing and changing society views and stances can change with more fluidity and ease, which can lead to people dipping into independent waters. I believe most people who claim independent party status don’t do it as a way to protest the two major parties, but instead do it because their ideologies are just a mixed bag, and they’re more gray rather than black or white, or in this case, more purple than blue or red. I think it can be said that a good number of independent “followers” use it more of a way to declare their ideology rather than who they’ll support in an election. I’d view myself as an independent, but when an election rolls around I can see myself voting for one of the two major candidates who falls more in line with my views at the time.
ReplyDelete-Jack M. Period 3
Personally,(as I have said this in class) I would like to see a 3rd party emerge. I feel as though neither the Democrats nor the Republicans cover most of my political views. If however, one did expand its umbrella then I would gladly join. I think if either party accommodated more opinions there wouldn't be so many unsatisfied Americans. But there is a problem within that. With a party catering so many different types of people, it almost loses its foundation, its political identity. So back to where I started, I think a 3rd party would actually help America by giving those Americans who don't really fit into a party a place to be and it wouldn't be taking away from the political identity of the two major parties.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Benham per.2
America has set the standards for what being independent truly means. When an individual takes a stand. To be truly politically independent would mean that the individual has political ideologies that belong to themselves and not influenced by any other source. I agree completely with what Jack said about the reason as to why people choose the independent party. People choose it because their ideals are not as clear cut as those of the two major political parties. People still wish to maintain a level of independence and chose the independent political party so that way they have the freedom and control of their own ideals.
ReplyDeleteRicardo Campos
Period 2
I think that even though there is an increase in independents, only the Republicans and Democrats will have a chance at winning the election. I do think that it is a good thing that there are people becoming independent though because it's a party that better satisfies their beliefs and that way they aren't just voting for a party they don't really believe in. Even though this lowers the voters for democrats and republicans, it means that the people who DO vote for them are the people who truly believe in that parties ideas.
ReplyDeleteDestiny 2
I really agree with Maliq's comment that independents weaken democracy and third parties strengthen them. The way he put it really makes sense to me. It seems like the rising up of a multitude of third parties would strengthen the people's faith in the government that has been so low. If they had a political party that they could align with that they felt was representing their ideals, perhaps they would vote more or have more external political efficacy. In my opinion, more citizens are now looking at the big democrats and republicans as too radical. Not radical in the sense of their beliefs necessarily, but more in their causing of gridlock because of their unwillingness to compromise with one another. I think a new era is on its way, the era of the two big parties either changing drastically or of the rising of other parties.
ReplyDeleteIvana Bosch
Per 3
Before, different party ideas were first being presented into the political world and so everything was new. But now, over the years, supporters of the Democratic and Republican party are no longer supportive or as supportive as they were before. Many people call themselves independent which makes sense because in a sense, an "Independent" is someone who doesn't really belong to a party, and to be honest, it's too hard to belong to any party with a specific definition and with specific beliefs. And I agree with Destiny. Now, is people find their place as an Independent, those who vote for the Democrats or Republicans will be those who actually believe and support the parties' political ideologies.
ReplyDeleteLinda Lee 3
This article was written by a libertarian, and therefore I assume they hold an anti-government opinion. Yes independents are becoming more common, but as Cavanaugh said, many of these are closet republicans or democrats, and therefore wouldn't vote for minor parties. Even the tea party, if it were to organize into an actual political party, would not become a major party, as they lack popular support with the conservatives, and any support with the liberals.
ReplyDeleteKendall Mayfield
Period 2
I agree with the emergence of stronger third parties in our political system. I feel like the article almost merges independents and third parties together though. Our current system needs to be reformed in some way, and a third party would be a plausible way to change something. It would create more variability in politics and open up new windows for better policy that the two current parties can't agree on. I also agree with Maliq's comment, independents are undecided individuals which are not third parties, and independents wouldn't benefit the system.
ReplyDeleteTay Sully p2
I think 3rd parties are a way for those against the two party system to make a stand. Although the article talks as if these are constantly being squashed out by the main two parties, I believe these 3rd party movement generally die out on their own once that burst of passion is gone. I think it's natural to form these 3rd parties, even if they have no chance at a national level. The entire country of America cannot possibly agree, right or left, black or white, on everything.
ReplyDelete-Tiffany Hsu, P.2
I disagree with Maliq's comment that independents weaken democracy. By not affiliating oneself with a side, these people tend to be much more moderate. Thus, party agenda's can never become too polarized towards one side of the spectrum since a party cannot win an election unless they pander to the moderate point of view thereby checking extreme and radical perspectives in government.
ReplyDeleteI think as time goes on, more and more people will become independents and dealign with one of the major parties. As more and more people dealign, the country will become more moderate, and like Johnathan said, party agenda's will never become too polarized, which I believe is a good thing. Although the independent party may be growing, I still don't think any Third Party will win an election over a Republican or Democrat. Most Independents are, like Cavanaugh said, closet Republicans, which means that even though they may be registered Independent, they may still vote for either a Democrat or a Republican.
ReplyDeleteMarisa Sanchez
Period 3
This article was very opinionated compared to other articles present on the matter. It seems to me that Independents are just individuals who don't really know which side to choose, so they end up making a mediocre decision by straddling the fence and wearing the label of "Independents". I do think that an increase of Independents leads to even less support for the two major parties and this just leads to more difficulty in selecting a winner.
ReplyDeleteUrsula Garcia
Period 2
Honestly I find that being an independent would b a wise decision because it gives the voter the chance to vote with the countries needs at the time and not just being tied to one party. I think independents are the epitome of political freedom.
ReplyDeleteJoey aliano
Period 2
A third party could be great for America. As the two major parties right now don't address everyone's concerns a 3rd party could help with that. I don't think the new party would take away from either major party's "fan base" but simply accommodate the Americans who don't fit into either party. It could help the people feel like their vote is being counted and that they have a say in government.
ReplyDeleteThomas Tichy per.3