Directions: You will select 2 states from the teacher provided list to research the presidential election results from six of the past US presidential

Question

elections. Choose two states from this list: Alaska, Texas, Illinois, Wyoming, Tennessee, New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, Mississippi,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri. *** NOTE: If you select any state that is not on the list above, you will receive a zero. Complete the chart using the
research that you conducted. Each state is worth 25 points, for a total of 50 points.
ALASKA ARIZONA COLORADO ILLINOIS MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI NEW JERSEY TENNESSEE TEXAS WYOMING
Year
State 1:mississippi (25 points) State 2: new jersey (25 points) Who became
President?
Identify the Presidential
candidate who won the overall
election & their political party
Identify the # of Electoral College Votes given to
the winning candidate by putting that number in
the correct column.
What was the margin
of victory?
(in percentages)
The difference between the
republican and democrat % for
the state.
Identify the # of Electoral College Votes given to
the winning candidate by putting that number in
the correct column.
What was the margin
of victory?
(in percentages)
The difference between the
republican and democrat %
for the state.
Dem Rep Dem Rep Presidential
Candidate
Political
Party
2020 0 6 16.5 14 0 +22.4% Joe Biden |
Democrat
Democr
at
2016 0 6 17.8 14 0 +1.5% Hillary Clinton
| Democrat
Democr
at
2012 0 6 11.5 14 0 +16.4% Obama |
Democrat |
Democr
at
2008 0 6 13.2 15 0 +16.3% John Kerry |
Democrat
Democr
at
2004 0 6 19.7 15 0 +6.7% Democrat Democr
at
2000 0 7 16.9 15 0 +0.2% Al Gore Democr
at
Property of Georgia Connections Academy
3
Part 2: Election Results Analysis
Directions: You will answer five questions based on the data you have gathered and added to the charts on Page 2. Each question is worth 10 points
for a total of 50 points. Provide your answers in complete sentences. Answer thoroughly and accurately.
1 Are your states similar in their voting patterns or different? Did the same
Political Party win both of your states each election? Why do you think
that’s the case or not the case?

Answer 1

Part 1: Presidential Election Results

Mississippi

| Year | Presidential Candidate | Political Party | Electoral Votes | Margin of Victory (in percentages) | Difference between Republican and Democrat % for the state | |------|------------------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 2020 | Donald Trump | Republican | 6 | +20.7% | Rep: 57.4%, Dem: 36.7% | | 2016 | Donald Trump | Republican | 6 | +17.5% | Rep: 58.5%, Dem: 41% | | 2012 | Barack Obama | Democrat | 0 | -10.2% | Rep: 55.4%, Dem: 45.2% | | 2008 | Barack Obama | Democrat | 0 | -13.6% | Rep: 56.6%, Dem: 43% | | 2004 | George W. Bush | Republican | 6 | +20% | Rep: 59%, Dem: 39% | | 2000 | George W. Bush | Republican | 6 | +5.4% | Rep: 57.1%, Dem: 51.7% |

New Jersey

| Year | Presidential Candidate | Political Party | Electoral Votes | Margin of Victory (in percentages) | Difference between Republican and Democrat % for the state | |------|------------------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 2020 | Joe Biden | Democrat | 14 | +16.5% | Dem: 57.3%, Rep: 40.8% | | 2016 | Hillary Clinton | Democrat | 14 | +14% | Dem: 55.4%, Rep: 41.4% | | 2012 | Barack Obama | Democrat | 14 | +17.8% | Dem: 58.2%, Rep: 39.4% | | 2008 | Barack Obama | Democrat | 15 | +15.5% | Dem: 57.2%, Rep: 41.7% | | 2004 | John Kerry | Democrat | 15 | +6% | Dem: 49.5%, Rep: 43.5% | | 2000 | Al Gore | Democrat | 15 | +0.2% | Dem: 51.3%, Rep: 51.1% |

Part 2: Election Results Analysis

1. Are your states similar in their voting patterns or different? Did the same political party win both of your states each election? Why do you think that’s the case or not the case?

   Mississippi and New Jersey have significantly different voting patterns in presidential elections. Mississippi is a stronghold for the Republican Party, consistently voting for Republican candidates in every election from 2000 to 2020. In contrast, New Jersey has leaned towards the Democratic Party, with Democrats winning in every presidential election during the same period, except for 2004 when John Kerry was very close to winning but still lost.

   The differences in voting behavior can be attributed to a variety of factors, including demographic, economic, and cultural differences between the states. Mississippi has a higher percentage of rural areas and lower income levels on average, which may correlate with stronger support for conservative policies and Republican candidates. Conversely, New Jersey has a higher population density, a more diverse demographic, and has traditionally aligned with policies that are more progressive, which could explain its consistent support for the Democratic Party. These sociopolitical and economic factors deeply influence voter preferences and party affiliation in the states.

Answer 2

Did the same political party win both of your states each election?

Answer 3

No, the same political party did not win both Mississippi and New Jersey in each election.

In Mississippi, the Republican Party won every presidential election from 2000 to 2020. The state consistently supported Republican candidates, reflecting a strong Republican voting trend.

In New Jersey, the Democratic Party won every presidential election during the same period, except for 2004 when John Kerry lost to George W. Bush, but he still garnered a significant portion of the vote.

Thus, while Mississippi leaned heavily toward the Republican Party, New Jersey consistently favored Democratic candidates, highlighting the stark differences in political affiliations and voting behaviors between the two states.

Answer 4

Why do you think
that’s the case or not the case?

Answer 5

The differing voting patterns between Mississippi and New Jersey can be attributed to several key factors, including demographic differences, historical context, economic conditions, and societal values.

1. Demographics: Mississippi has a higher percentage of rural residents and a larger proportion of its population that identifies with conservative values, which aligns more closely with the Republican Party's platform. In contrast, New Jersey has a more urban population, characterized by greater diversity and a higher concentration of college-educated individuals, who are often more inclined to support Democratic policies.

2. Historical Context: The South has a historical legacy of voting for the Republican Party, particularly since the 1970s, as conservative ideologies gained traction. This shift was influenced by various factors, including the civil rights movement and reactions to federal policies. Conversely, New Jersey has historically been a swing state, but since the late 20th century, it has leaned more Democratic as it became more suburban and diverse.

3. Economic Conditions: Economic factors play a significant role in voting behavior. Mississippi, with lower average income levels and higher poverty rates, often supports Republican candidates who appeal to traditional values and economic conservatism. New Jersey, being more affluent and economically diverse, tends to favor Democratic candidates who advocate for social programs, environmental regulations, and economic equality.

4. Social Issues: Different priorities regarding social issues also influence voting patterns. In Mississippi, cultural factors, including strong religious beliefs, may lead to greater support for Republican candidates who align with conservative social values. In New Jersey, progressive stances on social issues like healthcare, education, and immigration resonate with a large portion of the electorate, leading to consistent support for Democratic candidates.

5. Party Organization and Mobilization: The strength of party organizations in each state also affects voting outcomes. New Jersey has a well-organized Democratic Party that has successfully mobilized voters across various demographics. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, the Republican Party has a strong grassroots presence that effectively engages rural voters.

In summary, the differences in voting behavior between Mississippi and New Jersey are shaped by a combination of demographic characteristics, historical trends, economic conditions, social values, and party dynamics. These factors create distinct political landscapes that influence voter preferences and party loyalty in each state.