ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the character of American electoral behavior solely on the basis of presidential election returns from 1952 to 1980, one would undoubtedly conclude that Americans have been highly volatile in their party loyalties. The most notable of the regional trends has been the decline of Democratic strength in the South. From Reconstruction through World War II, the South rarely wavered a bit from its solid support of the Democratic party. While the South may continue to be the most Democratic region, the Mountain West is likely to be the most Republican region for the foreseeable future. In the Mountain states, demographic changes have clearly benefited the Republicans. In the Northeast and Midwest— where nearly half of the population resides — the changes which have occurred have worked to the advantage of the Democrats. Republicans, while the trends in the Northeastern and Midwestern sections of the country have favored the Democrats.
