Author (Your Name)

Michael Coval, Colby College

Date of Award

1983

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Open Access)

Department

Colby College. Government Dept.

Advisor(s)

L. Sandy Maisel

Abstract

Throughout this section, I sought to establish a nexus between interest group theory and empirical observations. This in turn, would provide the framework from which I would set forth a series of hypotheses concerning the impact of the deviating 1980 elections on ideological liberal organizations. What I found in fact, was not just a link but a near perfect correlation between theory and practice, each reinforcing the other and pointing to the same ineluctable conclusion: The upshot of the Reagan/New Right landslide of 1980 was a dramatic renaissance of American liberalism. A renaissance so pervasive that ideological liberal organizations stand to benefit tremendously in terms of sustaining membership and raising funds. Moreover, it promises to facilitate the formation of liberal lobbying coalitions and enhance their capacity to cultivate grass roots support.

Keywords

Political parties -- United States, Elections -- United States, United States -- Politics and government -- 1981-1989

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