African-Americans support the Democratic Party because they perceive it to be more competent than the GOP on important issues

Since the end of World War II, African-Americans have traditionally supported the Democratic Party, with most commentators pointing to the party’s liberal record on civil rights and race as the likely explanation. Maruice Mangum takes a close look at African-Americans’ identification with the Democratic Party, finding that their perception of the party’s competence is very important. He argues that African-Americans perceive the Democratic Party to be competent in issues such as preserving welfare and citizens’ fiscal health as well as race relations, to a higher degree than the Republican Party, hence their greater support.