Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
The last few decades have shown increased polarization within the United States political sphere. The hampered ability of political institutions to enact legislation due to a failure to cooperate has led to greater political violence, decreasing support for the government, and increasing anti-democratic rhetoric. I aim, with the aid of Dr. Weber, to explore the reasoning behind these disturbing changes and seek solutions. After reviewing the subject of polarization and voting in political science, I propose that it is the authoritarian attitudes of voters that are driving the negative outcomes. Through the use of 2020 election data and analysis models, I show that this is correlated, though not to the extent I expected. Lastly, I discuss future prospects of research and possible solutions to our political woes.Type
Electronic Thesistext
Degree Name
B.A.Degree Level
bachelorsDegree Program
Political ScienceHonors College