The political landscape in the United States underwent a significant transformation after 1965, leading to a new ideological sorting of voters. This realignment marked a departure from the previous century, where the distinctions between the political parties were less defined. Following this shift, the ideological identities of the two major parties became clearer, influencing how voters aligned themselves with either the Republican or Democratic Party.

As a result of this convergence, the Republican Party largely embraced conservative values while the Democratic Party adopted more liberal positions. This development not only reshaped party platforms but also had enduring implications for American politics, as individuals began to identify more strongly with the ideological stances of their chosen party, solidifying partisanship and influencing electoral dynamics.