The three distinct groups within the Republican Party revealed

Diverging Paths: The Three Factions of the Republican Party

A groundbreaking study exposes a trifold split within the Republican Party, highlighting the varied perspectives on democracy that define its members amidst escalating concerns about U.S. democratic norms.

The Breaking Point

In a political landscape fraught with tension, new research by the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University unearths three distinct factions within the GOP: Trump-first, Constitution-first, and Party-first Republicans. Each group displays a unique stance on democratic principles, underscoring the fragmented nature of the GOP today.

Beneath the Surface

Trump-first Republicans, comprising 29 percent of the party, favor extensive presidential powers and even entertain the notion of a third Trump term. Meanwhile, Constitution-first Republicans, 34 percent of the group, champion checks and balances and constitutional integrity, despite previously supporting Trump. Party-first Republicans, at 36 percent, largely stay out of political debates, demonstrating less certainty about presidential authority.

The Ripple Effect

This division within the Republican Party reflects broader concerns among Americans about democracy, with only 11 percent believing it is thriving. Furthermore, confidence in the legitimacy of President Joe Biden's 2020 victory is low among Republicans, particularly within the Trump-first faction, highlighting deep-seated distrust and polarizing media consumption habits across the political spectrum.