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

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.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 29

Keywords: Tea Party, Populist, Conservative, Republican

working papers series