Consternation and surprise : religion and the 2004 presidential election -- The old religion gap : the politics of belonging -- The new religion gap : the politics of behaving and believing -- The meaning of the religion gaps : issues and coalitions -- The religion gaps in social context : gender, age, and income -- The religion gaps in regional context -- The religion gaps in action : campaign contact and activism -- The religion gaps and the future
This report updates Ohioans' views on four controversies concerning state government: legislative redistricting, early voting, term limits, and length of a single legislative term. To one degree or another, these "governing controversies" reflect a tension between the role of popular opinion and professional opinion in the operation of state government, especially the state legislature. These issues may be addressed by the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, currently convened to study and propose possible changes to the state constitution (http://www.ocmc.ohio.gov/ocmc/home).
This report describes the state of the 2014 Ohio election on Labor Day, the traditional beginning of the general election campaign. It also documents the underlying patterns in these results and provides a baseline for change as the campaign develops. Like all survey findings, this report is a snapshot of public opinion at one point in time.
Ohio's diversity, the 2004 issue environment, and unique strategic factors give both parties good reasons to vigorously contest the state. The Buckeye state is the largest "red state" outside of the Sunbelt and one that would be especially difficult for the Republicans to replace. Gore's unexpected strong finish in Ohio made Democrats regard the state as a prime target of opportunity. While Bush has often had a small lead among likely voters in the most sophisticated state-level polls, an infusion of new voters and the likelihood that Nader will not be on the ballot has added to Democratic prospects.
Ohio's diversity, the 2004 issue environment, & unique strategic factors give both parties good reasons to vigorously contest the state. The Buckeye state is the largest "red state" outside of the Sunbelt & one that would be especially difficult for the Republicans to replace. Gore's unexpected strong finish in Ohio made Democrats regard the state as a prime target of opportunity. While Bush has often had a small lead among likely voters in the most sophisticated state-level polls, an infusion of new voters & the likelihood that Nader will not be on the ballot has added to Democratic prospects. Adapted from the source document.
Much has changed in the American party system since 1960. The question addressed here is whether the changes have reduced its functionality. Opinions differ, with some scholars citing party 'decline' & others party 'revival', their answers depending on their preference for the 1950s' golden age of partisanship or the new millennium's golden age of party organization. A review of the party system over this period finds merit for both. Viewed differently, it is argued that though the major parties are functional, they exercise little control over policy; ie, while the US has a partisan government, there is little party government. It is also argued that while the two-party system seems comprehensive & functional, there is evidence of fragmentation in the two parties' organizations, composed as they are of numerous factions & interest groups. This is illustrated by tabulations of voting patterns, party identifiers, public perceptions of party differences, interest aggregation, & electoral participation. Despite this evidence, it is concluded that the American party system has remained functional, as have the major parties, having found ways to adapt to the many changes in US society. There is, however, much room for improvement. J. Stanton
