A field guide to the American voter
The nine American political types
Red and blue describe parties, not people. Most Americans are economically one thing and culturally another, so We the Panel maps views on two scales instead of one: how you see the economy, from shared responsibility to self-reliance, and how you see society, from change to tradition. Three positions on each give nine types.
A third scale, trust in the political system, can add a trait to any type: Outsider or Institutionalist.
Toward change
Open to social change: new ways of living, and a society that keeps moving.
TheReformer
01Forward, together
Shared economy
The Reformer
A fairer economy and a society that keeps moving.
You want government to take an active role in making the economy work for everyone, and you welcome social change. You tend to see today's problems as fixable with bold public action.
More about The Reformer →TheModernizer
02Open and practical
Mixed on the economy
The Modernizer
Open-minded on society, practical on the economy.
You're comfortable with a changing society and want people free to live as they choose. On the economy you weigh each idea on its merits rather than starting from big government or small.
More about The Modernizer →TheFree Agent
03Free markets, free lives
Self-reliant economy
The Free Agent
Free markets and free lives.
You trust markets and individuals more than government, and you want the state out of both your wallet and your private life. You tend to be skeptical of anyone who wants more control, from either side.
More about The Free Agent →
In between on society
Neither pushing for social change nor holding the line on tradition.
TheAdvocate
04For working people
Shared economy
The Advocate
Standing up for working people.
You believe government should look out for workers and families who are struggling, and you hold a mix of views on social issues. Everyday fairness matters more to you than culture-war fights.
More about The Advocate →TheBridge-Builder
05No party box
Mixed on the economy
The Bridge-Builder
No party box fits you.
Your views don't line up neatly with either party. You pick positions issue by issue, and you're often the person in the room who sees both sides.
More about The Bridge-Builder →TheSteward
06Careful with money
Self-reliant economy
The Steward
Careful with money, moderate on the rest.
You want a government that lives within its means and lets businesses and individuals do what they do best. On social issues you're more moderate than the loudest voices on the right.
More about The Steward →
Toward tradition
Holding on to family, faith, country and the ways that keep communities together.
TheProtector
07Workers, family, community
Shared economy
The Protector
Look after workers, family and community.
You want government on the side of working families, and you hold traditional values about family, faith or country. Both parties often feel only half right to you.
More about The Protector →TheGuardian
08Keeping what works
Mixed on the economy
The Guardian
Keeping what works.
You value tradition, stability and the institutions that hold communities together. On the economy you're pragmatic, open to government help where it clearly works.
More about The Guardian →TheTraditionalist
09Lasting values
Self-reliant economy
The Traditionalist
Limited government, lasting values.
You believe in free enterprise, personal responsibility and traditional values. You'd rather families, churches and communities solve problems than Washington.
More about The Traditionalist →
Which one are you?
Rate 21 statements and see where you land on the map. It takes about five minutes.
Take the quiz