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+Political Parties in the US
+- The electorate is divided by ideology, demographics, and "Rep-Ind-Dem"
+    - Polarized more, especially in the past four years
+The gov reflects this
+- "Divided Government": different parties control House, Senate, Pres.
+    - possibly governors' differences
+    - Streamlining of government isn't voted for.
+
+What is a political party, in general?
+- A group of activists who organize to win elections, operate the
+  government, and determine public policy
+- Controlling the government requires a broad band of beliefs
+    - Can't be narrowly focused like a special interest group
+
+All political parties:
+1) Recruit Candidates
+2) Organizing and running elections
+- Funding
+3) Presenting alternative policies
+Only major parties (Dem and Rep, in US):
+4) Operate Government
+5) Organize Opposition
+- Sometimes minor parties get governance in states
+
+Are parties still doing this effectively?
+- Morris Fiorina sees a "decline in all duties and accountability." Why?
+    - Party Organization used to shape almost all political behavior
+        - Now, the Dem establishment (ex.) doesn't control their nominee
+        - Public spending limits mean campaigns don't need to rely on
+          parties
+    - Party in the Electorate
+        - Candidates essentially run independent campaigns
+        - They break from party platforms to serve local districts
+            - Or focus differently, like fiscal conservatism vs family
+              values.
+    - Party in Government
+        - Increased party fragmentation
+        - Personal and local influence
+        - Recently, politicians vote on party lines, but not too long
+          ago, bipartisanship was a real option
+    - The rise of Single Issue Groups
+        - Parties are more beholden to Interests
+
+All parties can be broken down into three components:
+1) Electorate
+    - Core groups (base)
+    - Independents
+    - Loose affiliates (usually candidate-specific)
+
+2) Organization
+    - 
+
+3) Party in government; crosses over with organization
+