Conclusion

Abstract

Abstract In this chapter we review our major findings. These include the growing numbers and diversity of fundamentals, their increasing individual and, even more, collective relationship to the vote, and their increasing alignment with each other. These findings indicate first that elections are very different in the post-1984 period than before, and, second, that these results indicate that the substantive base to public opinion and voting behavior has increased substantially. These changes often precede other important changes, such as the growing affect associated with the public’s role in politics. Finally, we turn to consider the deepening cleavage in American political life and the concern for American democracy it raises.