Authoritarianism and Polarization Shape Modern American Politics

Authoritarianism is a world view that goes well beyond issues like fear of communism and national security. Things are either right or wrong. There is no in between. This worldview helps individual adjust and feel safe during times of uncertainty and social unrest. Democrats on the other hand, are more likely to be liberal and non authoritarian. They prefer abstract, cognitive solutions to societal problems. There isn't just one solution. They favor diplomacy over war. Politicians like Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama are characterized as non Authoritarian.

Authoritarianism and polarization have been nurtured by political elites, but there is also a more abstract explanation. The Lifestyle, affluence, social status, race, gender, and orientation of Americans predispose them to worldviews. Polarization appears to have increased because of societal changes, progression, and political participation. Polarization has increased among party elites for several reasons. Party elites aren't as homogeneous as they were in the 1940's and 50's as they are today. Congress is more diverse in background, and has very different agendas.

Authoritarians have different interpretations of fairness, civil rights, gay rights, immigration, and perceived threat. Political experts Weiler and Hetherington differentiate the political elite and mass public in their findings as well. The salience of social issues has increased significantly since the civil rights movement in the 1960's due to legislation, policy, and political campaigns. The 1960s is one of the most significant periods in political socialization and voting behavior. It marked the separation of southern democrats from the rest of the party. Republican used race to their advantage. It was an opportunity to disrupt the democratic stronghold in congress. The 1960's marked the end of the "Liberal Republicans" and "Conservative Democrats". Democrats and Republicans have continued to move further in opposing directions.

All of these findings show that authoritarianism has had a significant impact on polarization, and polarization has had a significant impact on the current state of politics. Findings from other political scientists are supported and expanded upon. The Polarization of the party elites has helped Americans sort themselves along the political spectrum. Polarization is a tool the party elites use to create a base and win elections. The values and beliefs of individuals are not anymore polarized then they were in the past. They just have greater salience with party elites. It is difficult to characterize political polarization as good or bad. It creates political tension but citizens are able to make decisions more easily.Source: Authoritarianism and Polarization in American Politics, by Mark Hetheringtonhttp://www.hks.harvard.edu/fs/dking/Extreme_Politics.pdf