Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses some of the fundamental tenets and changes in American electoral behavior from the 20th century to the 21st century. It explores the elections as natural political experiments that teach reader many things about people. The book highlights and analytically explores some of the dominant theories and actions of American citizens as those theories and actions pertain to citizens' electoral behavior. It analyzes popular public opinion polls, such as Gallup, and at other times select longitudinal data are examined, such as those from the American National Election Studies. The book also addresses changes and trends in US voting behavior like that profiled in the Southern political party realignment. It also explores how individuals become liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican.