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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
+