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