Question

What are some possible consequences - political, social, and economic - of each of the important demographic changes that are occurring - the emergence of a minority majority, the regional shift, and the graying of America? Do you think that these changes will strengthen or weaken political culture in the United States? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

The emergence of a minority majority:

• A political consquence of this would be a strenghtening of the democratic party. The vast majority of minorities vote for the democratic party. However, political opinion shifts over time, and a new party could even come up.
• A social consequence would be higher representation of minorities in top management positions. As groups become more numerous, the also become more powerful, and companies would probably not be the exception.
• An economic consequence would be a higher percentage of minorities in the top decils of income earners. The explanation is same as above.

The regional shift:

• Political consquence: as southern states with high population growth like North Carolina, Georgia, Florida or Texas become more populated, their amount of electors in the electoral college increases with each census. They will also send more representatives to the house. In general terms, the political power of these states will increase.
• Social consquence: Northern states with low population grow could become even more economically depressed, leading to a whole new array of social problems.
• Economic consequences: disparities in economic development between states might increase. For example, West Virginia could become even more depressed while Texas could become even wealthier.

The graying of america:

• Political consequence: old people vote more than younger people. Old people support the republican party more than the democratic party. An older America could strenghten the GOP.
• Social consequence: Social Security benefits will become more expensive as the country becomes older. As it is mandatory spending, the federal government will not be able to cut those benefits unless the congress approves to do so after a lengthy and almost unviable process.
• Economic consequences: Old people in general do not have 9-5 jobs, although many of them still work. Many of them also have higher incomes, but economists tend to agree that an older workforce represents an economic challenge for America. Revenues from payroll taxes for example could fall because less people would be in the workforce.

These changes could strenghten political culture in the US as long as people become more educated, states do not engage in voter supression as minority population increase, and parties stay civil and in constructive conversation.