Political Party? Culture or intelect?

Are political party affiliations determined culture or intelect. While my first reaction may be culture or intelect, is in fact both. Let me explore the paths that affect our political choices.

As we grow up in a family we take on the culture of our parents. This culture is based on the matching of two cultures and if the marriage is successful, a third culture emerges.

As a individual starts to separate themselves from the family, the intellectual pursuits again changes their political views.

For example as a student who would study the economic theories of Adam Smith on accumulated wealth, could alter ones political views.

One of the most interesting political changes is the South from a Democrat stronghold to a Republican stronghold while keeping most of the same philosophy.

Perhaps the more interesting question is why did these changes take place?