The Increasingly United States

How and Why American Political Behavior Nationalized

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Elections
Cover of the book The Increasingly United States by Daniel J. Hopkins, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Daniel J. Hopkins ISBN: 9780226530406
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: May 30, 2018
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Daniel J. Hopkins
ISBN: 9780226530406
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: May 30, 2018
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

In a campaign for state or local office these days, you’re as likely today to hear accusations that an opponent advanced Obamacare or supported Donald Trump as you are to hear about issues affecting the state or local community. This is because American political behavior has become substantially more nationalized. American voters are far more engaged with and knowledgeable about what’s happening in Washington, DC, than in similar messages whether they are in the South, the Northeast, or the Midwest. Gone are the days when all politics was local.

With The Increasingly United States, Daniel J. Hopkins explores this trend and its implications for the American political system. The change is significant in part because it works against a key rationale of America’s federalist system, which was built on the assumption that citizens would be more strongly attached to their states and localities. It also has profound implications for how voters are represented. If voters are well informed about state politics, for example, the governor has an incentive to deliver what voters—or at least a pivotal segment of them—want. But if voters are likely to back the same party in gubernatorial as in presidential elections irrespective of the governor’s actions in office, governors may instead come to see their ambitions as tethered more closely to their status in the national party.
 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In a campaign for state or local office these days, you’re as likely today to hear accusations that an opponent advanced Obamacare or supported Donald Trump as you are to hear about issues affecting the state or local community. This is because American political behavior has become substantially more nationalized. American voters are far more engaged with and knowledgeable about what’s happening in Washington, DC, than in similar messages whether they are in the South, the Northeast, or the Midwest. Gone are the days when all politics was local.

With The Increasingly United States, Daniel J. Hopkins explores this trend and its implications for the American political system. The change is significant in part because it works against a key rationale of America’s federalist system, which was built on the assumption that citizens would be more strongly attached to their states and localities. It also has profound implications for how voters are represented. If voters are well informed about state politics, for example, the governor has an incentive to deliver what voters—or at least a pivotal segment of them—want. But if voters are likely to back the same party in gubernatorial as in presidential elections irrespective of the governor’s actions in office, governors may instead come to see their ambitions as tethered more closely to their status in the national party.
 

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book The Arc of War by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Improvement by Design by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Darkness Visible by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Landscapes of Accumulation by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book What Do Pictures Want? by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Inventing Chemistry by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Switching Codes by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Timing and Turnout by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book The Analysis of the Self by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Pure Intelligence by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book What Editors Do by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Culture and Power by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Visible Empire by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book New Television by Daniel J. Hopkins
Cover of the book Rainbow Dust by Daniel J. Hopkins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy