Policy Threat, Partisanship, and the Case of the Affordable Care Act

How do political conditions influence whether public support develops for a new policy? Specifically, does the presence of partisan polarization and viable threat to policy’s continuation prevent emergence such support? We propose theoretical framework that considers how policy feedback may be affected by or absence both polarization. argue is likely increase salience trigger loss aversion, expanding even amid strong partisanship. examine Affordable Care Act after Republicans won control Congress White House stood poised act on their long promise repeal law. Five waves panel data permit analysis individuals’ responses law changed over time, affecting it as well voting calculations. The results suggest heightens effect some populations while depressing others, in cases mitigating polarization, overall boosting program support.