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Role of Ethnicity in Elections

Ethnicity plays a decisive role in elections involving black candidates, but a relatively minor role in elections involving white candidates. Studies originating from the time of Abraham Lincoln's election indicate that white immigrants generally vote along nationality lines only until they assimilate into the dominant culture. Once they acculturize themselves, their voting preferences reflect those of the population as a whole. Such is not the case for African Americans who, because of past discriminatory practices, still find themselves a distinct culture within the mainstream population.

Cavaioli (1992) indicates that group voting has come to dominate American politics and that a definite relationship exists between ethnicity and group voting practices. Group political activity, such as engaged in by interest groups, reaps several advantages to member participants. For example, interest groups perform many of the functions formerly assumed by political parties, such as raising money to support candidates, setting policy, educating voters on the issues, and providing representation for their membership. Clearly, group politics play a vital role in American government. Members of interest groups tend to exhibit similar political attitudes and voting behavior. A recent development in politics is the study of the ethnocultural determinants of voting behavior: "According to this view, nationality, race, and religion form the foundation for political attitudes" (Cavaioli, 1992, p. 63).

The issue of white ethnicity did not become popular until after the black power revolution of the 1960s. During the black power campaign, the media and the American government focussed on the demands of African Americans who wanted to participate in the American dream and to learn more about their roots. White ethnic groups took notice of the attention given to blacks: "cries of 'Irish Power' or 'Italian Power' were not heard until 'Black ...

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Role of Ethnicity in Elections. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 04:49, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1689421.html