Political Parties 263Define political parties and show how American
political parties and party systems have evolved
over time. pages 264–268Describe the main characteristics of American
parties as organizations, in the government, and
in the electorate. pages 268–277Explain the important functions that parties
perform in the political system. pages 278–288Evaluate whether the American party system
enhances or hinders democracy. pages 289–291Full_09_APT_64431_ch08_262-295.indd 263 16/11/18 1:38 PM