A Dichotomy in US Politics: Party Loyalty and Values

Abstract

This paper explores the implications that values have on political party composition and loyalty. I examine this relationship by first establishing the connection of sets of values with each political party. Then, I design an experimental survey in which Democrats and Republicans are randomly assigned a mock news article about a political candidate that violates these party values through the lens of their stance on immigration. Finally, I ask questions about perceived candidate values and the subject's anticipated voting patterns. I find that each party does have their own dichotomous values, and that voters hope to see these values in the candidates for their party. Subsequently, it is because of these values and the value alignment that Democrats are more likely to deviate from their party. The results suggest Republicans will stay loyal to their party when voting, as seen in the 2016 election, while Democrats will be less tolerant of perceived diversions in the values of those they elect, causing them to be more loyal to their own individual values.