The Return of Conservative Populism: The Rise of the Tea Party and its Impact on American Politics

29 Pages Posted: 1 Aug 2011 Last revised: 22 Aug 2011

Date Written: 2011

Abstract

This paper argues that the Tea Party is the latest in a long line of populist social movements – of both right and left – that emerge periodically in American politics – and particularly in times of economic hardship. These movements tend to be ephemeral but they frequently leave a lasting impact on American politics and public policy. The paper discusses the rise of the Tea Party, the nature of the movement, its popular base of support, its tense relationship with the “Republican Establishment”, its impact on the 2010 midterm election campaign, its future prospects, and how closely its development to date fits the historical pattern of American populist social and political movements.

Keywords: Tea Party, Populist, Conservative, Republican

Suggested Citation

Rae, Nicol C., The Return of Conservative Populism: The Rise of the Tea Party and its Impact on American Politics (2011). APSA 2011 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1903204

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
757
Abstract Views
3,296
Rank
61,634
PlumX Metrics