From the 1950s to now, what happened to the number of Democrats in the electorate?

The assertion that the number of Democrats in the electorate has decreased steadily from the 1950s to the present aligns with historical trends observed in American political behavior. Over recent decades, there has been a notable shift in party affiliation, particularly influenced by various social, economic, and political changes.

In the 1950s, the Democratic Party enjoyed a robust presence, often associated with the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal coalition that appealed to diverse groups of voters. However, as the political landscape evolved, especially during the civil rights movement and subsequent social changes, many traditional Democratic voters began to identify differently, leading to a gradual detachment from the party.

Factors such as shifts in demographic trends, changing cultural attitudes, and significant political realignments have contributed to this decline in Democratic identification. In addition, the Republican Party has successfully attracted voters from different backgrounds, including working-class whites and suburban residents, which further exacerbates the decrease in Democratic voters in a broadening electorate.

Therefore, the characterization of a steady decline in Democratic identification accurately reflects these historical dynamics and changing political landscapes in the United States.