Polarizing Parties, Ideological Elites, and Citizen Activists: A Case Study of the Tea Party

Upending American Politics: Polarizing Parties, Ideological Elites, and Citizen Activists from the Tea Party to the Anti-Trump Resistance

by Caroline Tervo

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7949 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The Tea Party movement emerged in the United States in 2009 as a response to the perceived overreach of government and the increasing national debt. The movement quickly gained traction, particularly among conservative voters, and played a significant role in the 2010 midterm elections. However, the Tea Party has also been criticized for its extreme ideology and for its role in exacerbating political polarization in the United States.

This article explores the relationship between political polarization, ideological elites, and citizen activists in the context of the Tea Party movement. We argue that the Tea Party is a product of the increasing polarization of American politics and that its leaders have played a significant role in shaping the movement's ideology and agenda. We also find that citizen activists play a crucial role in sustaining the Tea Party movement and translating its ideology into action.

Polarization and the Rise of the Tea Party

American politics has become increasingly polarized in recent decades. The two major parties, Democrats and Republicans, have become more ideologically distinct, and there is less overlap between their platforms. This polarization has been driven by a number of factors, including:

• The rise of ideological media outlets, such as Fox News and MSNBC, which cater to partisan audiences.
• The increasing use of gerrymandering to create safe districts for incumbent politicians.
• The decline of moderate politicians, who are often seen as too willing to compromise with the other side.

The Tea Party movement emerged in this context of increasing polarization. The movement's leaders were able to tap into the anger and frustration of many Americans who felt that the government was out of control and that the country was on the wrong track. The Tea Party's message of lower taxes, smaller government, and individual liberty resonated with many voters, particularly in rural and conservative areas.

Ideological Elites and the Tea Party

The Tea Party movement has been shaped by a number of ideological elites, including:

• Sarah Palin: A former governor of Alaska who was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008. Palin is a popular figure among Tea Party activists and is known for her fiery rhetoric and her opposition to government spending.
• Glenn Beck: A conservative radio and television host who is known for his anti-government views. Beck has been a strong supporter of the Tea Party movement and has helped to promote its message to a wider audience.
• Rand Paul: A Republican senator from Kentucky who is known for his libertarian views. Paul is a vocal supporter of the Tea Party movement and has introduced legislation that would reduce the size and scope of government.

These ideological elites have played a significant role in shaping the Tea Party's ideology and agenda. They have provided the movement with a coherent set of beliefs and have helped to mobilize activists around a common cause. They have also used their platforms to promote the Tea Party's message and to attack its opponents.

Citizen Activists and the Tea Party

The Tea Party movement is sustained by a large network of citizen activists. These activists are motivated by a variety of factors, including:

• Anger at government overreach: Many Tea Party activists believe that the government has become too powerful and that it is interfering in their lives.
• Concern about the national debt: Tea Party activists are concerned about the growing national debt and believe that the government needs to take steps to reduce it.
• Desire for lower taxes: Tea Party activists believe that taxes are too high and that they should be reduced.

Tea Party activists are typically white, conservative, and male. They are often retired or self-employed and have higher levels of education than the general population. They are also more likely to be involved in their local communities and to have a strong sense of civic duty.

Tea Party activists play a crucial role in the movement. They organize rallies and protests, they lobby elected officials, and they help to get out the vote for Tea Party-endorsed candidates. They also provide the movement with a grassroots base of support and help to keep it energized.

The Tea Party movement is a product of the increasing polarization of American politics. The movement's leaders have played a significant role in shaping its ideology and agenda, and citizen activists have provided it with a grassroots base of support. The Tea Party has been a major force in American politics in recent years, and it is likely to continue to play a role in shaping the political landscape for years to come.

Upending American Politics: Polarizing Parties, Ideological Elites, and Citizen Activists from the Tea Party to the Anti-Trump Resistance

by Caroline Tervo

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7949 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE