Shift in the voting patterns of youth voters

1. Explain this shift in the voting patterns of youth voters (ages 18-25) using the theories in
Chapter 5 (what theories might explain the shift towards youth believing that the
government is a force for good?). Explain your answer.

Although  Montana has been an historical Republican State, currently is raising a new generation of liberal young voters. Who are  tilt on social issues such as immigration, and sexual and reproductive rights. According with the article the role of the government in social issues is a key for the youth pole. “Young people absolutely believe that there’s a role for government,” said Matt Singer.   This more liberal than republican thoughts of the new generation in Montana can faint match whit the State Centered Structuralism theory. This theory put forward that state legislated in the interest of the common good, including the interest of bureaucratic agencies. The characterization of the state in this theory is as a class-neutral . (Glasberg and  Deric, 2011, Page 140). Youth believe that the role of the state has to have a clear intervention and regulation in making decisions and economic policies. The last idea also go with  the State Centered Structuralism theory which argue that non economic policies such as reproductive and civil rights, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual) rights, the right of people with disability, and environmental laws may be understood as the product of party politics which are the manager of the state. (Glasberg and  Deric, 2011, Page 140)

2. What does this shift mean for Republican politics? In other words, the Republican
platform has shifted, ever since the 1980s, to viewing government as a negative force in
the U.S. Drawing on our lectures what voting “blocks” (older voters, whites, etc.) can
the Republicans rely on in the future to win elections? Explain your answer.

Minnesota has been a republican stronghold state, but the new generation is an evidence for a possible switch from a red state to a blue state due to liberal ideas are gaining more popularity, and certainly providing more votes to democrats.  According with the article 19 percent of the electoral last year were under 30; although not all of them have liberal ideas, considerable amount are concern about social issues. This fact can to tip the scales in favor to democrats. Republicans should change some voter's strategies, shifting some conservative proposes to more progressive ideas especially in social issues and the role of the state in political decision. If the republican party does not change it political strategies in topics like gay marriage, sexual and reproductive rights will not get the support of young people because they are concerned about these topics.
By the other hand, the article argue that last elections were ethnically and racially diverse; "whites account for just 58 percent of them, according to the Pew center, while 76 percent of older voters were white" . Republican rely on white older people to win elections but not in young people, or minorities like African American or Hispanics, who represent the 42% of voters in the last election.

3. If you were a campaign strategists what would you recommend Republican candidates
do to try to win back the youth vote?

Definitely I would recommend to be more inclusive with minorities groups like Hispanics and African American. Include them in their campaign proposals make them focus in diversity and social issues. I would also recommend not ignore the interest of young voters, to listen their ideas and made them participate in important decision within the party. Finally, I would suggest emphasize the work of the government solving social problems instead of limiting it action.


Bibliography
    Glasberg, D., & Shannon, D. (2011). Political Sociology. Oppression, Resistance and The Sate. California. University of Connecticut.
    Stolberg Gay Sheryl. (February 10, 2013). "Young, Liberal, and open to big government". New York Times. Retrieved  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/11/us/politics/in-montana-young-liberal-and-open-to-big-government.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&