Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter students should be able to:

Trace the evolution of the American two-party system.

Distinguish between realigning and critical elections.

Distinguish between party-centered and candidate-centered politics.

Relate single-member election districts with plurality elections to the maintenance of the two party system in America.

Describe the distinguishing features of multiparty election systems with proportional representation.

Identify several minor parties and describe their role in American politics.

Describe what primary elections are and explain their role in American politics.

Identify the factors associated with organizational weakness in American parties.

Describe the role money plays in modern campaigns.

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