1. According to Washington, what are some of the baneful effects of political parties?
2. Do you believe that having a more educated population can lessen the “baneful effects” Why or why not?
3. Why did Dr. Alexander argue that Washington was right about the dangers of political parties?
4. Dr. Alexander pointed out from political scientist Morris Fiorina that the " divisions between
Americans have been far overblown" and that Americans are "far more agreeable on most issues but the candidates elected into office are so polarized that they are the ones causing bipartisan (two-party) gridlock in the government. If so, how did these elected officials become so polarized in their ideology?
5. In accordance with Washington's ideas, what does Dr. Alexander ask our representatives, the elected officials, to see themselves as?
6. Select "General Population" and "By Party," then click on "Animate data from 1994-2014."
Describe the trend you see.
7. Now select "Politically Active" and animate the data from 1994-2014 by party again. What is the difference between the political polarization trends of the general population and the politically active?
8. Why do you think that Democrats and Republicans are more ideologically divided than in the past?