1 Introduction

This tutorial provides a brief overview on how to map categorical data using R Studio and QGIS.

We will be mapping data on the partisan composition of state governments in the United States. In particular, we will visualize whether a state government is characterized by unified Democratic control (a “Democratic Trifecta”), unified Republican control (a “Republican Trifecta”), or divided government.

Current data on trifectas/divided government comes from Ballotpedia.

Data to complete the exercises can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OsN9qxzflMAu7HAWz1qGffUkGZbnblxt?usp=sharing.