New research investigates how increasing ideological polarization among American political elites influences public attitudes and behaviors.

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that as party leaders have diverged ideologically, ordinary citizens have improved their ability to identify the political party most aligned with their views. This enhanced identification contributes significantly to mass-level polarization.

Using four decades of ANES survey data alongside DW-NOMINATE measures of elite ideology, this study demonstrates a clear relationship between elite polarization and individual alignment. The findings suggest that voters' positions in policy space interact differently depending on the ideological distance between parties.

Key Takeaways:

• Elite polarization has sharpened mass identification processes
• This dynamic explains how divided party politics translate to public opinion shifts
• Implications for understanding political realignment across different democratic systems