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There are two main political parties in the USA – the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

Unlike political parties in the UK, US political parties are not as tied to an ideology. Both main parties contain a range of people from across society.

In US elections, candidates seek to build political support across different regions and groups. In America, a candidate’s views on issues such as taxes, abortion, gun control or welfare can be more important than which party they represent.

Democratic Party support

In recent years, Democratic Party support has been strongest from the following groups:

• poorer Americans – those dependent on welfare or government health provision. Democratic policy is generally seen as more sympathetic to the less well-off. Many poor people live in urban areas.
• minorities – especially black Americans and Hispanics. The Democrats are more supportive of government programmes to support minorities. Democrats are perceived to be less strict on immigration. 87% of black voters opted for Biden in the 2020 Presidential election.
• 'Liberals' – Democrats believe in liberalism (for example, federal and state support in employment or education to help individuals succeed). Those in north-eastern (e.g. states of New York, New Jersey, etc.) and western states (California, Oregon, etc.) are typically more supportive of government intervention in the economy, gay rights, abortion and tighter gun control.
• younger voters – In 2020, Biden secured around 62% of the 18-29 year group voters.

Republican Party support

Republican Party support is strongest amongst:

• wealthy people – Republicans favour low taxes and limited government intervention in the economy. Many wealthy Americans live in suburban areas or in more rural states of the mid-west (Iowa, Kansas, etc.) or the south (Alabama, Texas, etc.). Much of corporate (business) America also supports the Republican Party.
• white people – this group typically votes Republican. In 2020, despite Trump’s loss, he attracted around 57% of all white votes.
• 'Conservatives' – Republicans are more likely to be conservative on social policy, ie anti-abortion and anti-gay, pro-gun and pro-death penalty. (Note: The ‘religious right’ and the ‘Bible Belt’ States have grown in importance in US politics in recent years)
• 'older voters' - In 2020, Trump secured 51% of the 65 or over age group vote which are the age group which most often turnout to vote.