Discuss the history of political parties as a unit of political organization. Where did parties first arise? How did the expansion of democracy change the “face” of parties, as well as their goals?
Do you consider yourself to be a “member” of a certain political party? Why? How does this type of connection differ from the idea of party membership found in European democracies?
Explain why linkages between political parties and their traditional voter bases have been in decline in recent decades. Do you believe that this change is related more to politics or economics?
How would you classify American political parties, using the typology described in this chapter? Have American parties always been this way?
Describe the relationship between political regime type, electoral systems, and party centralization. Which combinations are the most likely to favor strong, centralized national parties? Which are more likely to produce weaker, more decentralized party organizations? How does this matter for party discipline and legislative power?
