The definitive text on American party politics, this highly- respected best-seller has been thoroughly updated through 2000. With comprehensive coverage of our party system (including third parties and independents), the text examines three primary components of the parties—party organization, party in the electorate, party in government—and the interaction of these components, especially during election campaigns. The authors integrate academic research with contemporary and historical examples of party politics in the United States, to bring to life the fascinating story of how parties have helped to shape our political system.