Still Functional After All These Years: Parties in the United States, 1960-2000

Abstract

Much has changed in the American party system since 1960. The question addressed here is whether the changes have reduced its functionality. Opinions differ, with some scholars citing party 'decline' & others party 'revival', their answers depending on their preference for the 1950s' golden age of partisanship or the new millennium's golden age of party organization. A review of the party system over this period finds merit for both. Viewed differently, it is argued that though the major parties are functional, they exercise little control over policy; ie, while the US has a partisan government, there is little party government. It is also argued that while the two-party system seems comprehensive & functional, there is evidence of fragmentation in the two parties' organizations, composed as they are of numerous factions & interest groups. This is illustrated by tabulations of voting patterns, party identifiers, public perceptions of party differences, interest aggregation, & electoral participation. Despite this evidence, it is concluded that the American party system has remained functional, as have the major parties, having found ways to adapt to the many changes in US society. There is, however, much room for improvement. J. Stanton