Midterm Project Part 2: Political Structure
742020 Midterm Project Part 2 Political Structure
In this assignment, you will select two of the eleven major swing states from the 2016 presidential election—namely Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—and gather recent statistical data on specific socio-economic and demographic factors. The data required encompasses median household income, percentage of the population below the poverty level (including household types and income brackets if available), levels of secondary and post-secondary education, ethnic/racial composition percentages, and age and gender distributions within the voting population, with an emphasis on generational breakdowns. The purpose of analyzing this data is to support your understanding of the political and social landscape that influences electoral behaviors in these pivotal states.
You are instructed to utilize reputable sources such as the United States Census Bureau, American FactFinder, or Community Facts for accurate and current statistics. Proper citation of your data sources using APA, MLA, or Chicago style is mandatory. An example citation is: U.S. Bureau of the Census. (Year). Title of the webpage. Retrieved from URL.
To complete your assignment, create a clear and concise chart presenting the collected data for each selected state. Ensure the chart organizes information systematically for easy comparison. Following the chart, include a list of all your references formatted in your chosen citation style. The final submission should be in a Word document (.docx), Google Docs, or compatible format, uploaded through the Canvas submission portal by the deadline.
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the demographic and socio-economic profiles of swing states plays a vital role in grasping the complexities of American electoral politics. This paper examines Colorado and Florida, two key swing states in the 2016 election, by analyzing recent statistical data in crucial categories that influence voting behaviors and political strategies.
Colorado
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $78,000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019) |
| Percentage Below Poverty Level | 11.5% |
| Secondary Education Attainment | 88.4% with high school diploma or higher |
| Post-Secondary Education | 42.3% with bachelor’s degree or higher |
| Ethnic/Racial Composition | White: 70.2%, Hispanic/Latino: 22.4%, African American: 4.4%, Asian: 3.2% |
| Age Distribution | 18-29: 20%, 30-44: 25%, 45-64: 30%, 65+: 25% |
| Gender Distribution | Female: 50.3%, Male: 49.7% |
Florida
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $55,660 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020) |
| Percentage Below Poverty Level | 13.6% |
| Secondary Education Attainment | 83.2% with high school diploma or higher |
| Post-Secondary Education | 27.8% with bachelor’s degree or higher |
| Ethnic/Racial Composition | White: 53.3%, Hispanic/Latino: 26.5%, African American: 16.9%, Asian: 2.9% |
| Age Distribution | 18-29: 20.4%, 30-44: 23.4%, 45-64: 26.3%, 65+: 30% |
| Gender Distribution | Female: 51%, Male: 49% |
These profiles highlight demographic nuances that impact electoral outcomes in these states. Colorado’s higher median income and educational attainment may correlate with different voting patterns compared to Florida, which has a larger Hispanic population and a slightly lower median income, influencing the political landscape and campaign strategies.
References
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2019). American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Florida QuickFacts. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/FL