POLSC232: American Government

Watch this two-part presentation on party identification and national shifts in party control (realignment and dealignment) in the American political system. Party identification is a person's loyalty or preference for one political party. When people identify with a party, they usually agree with its stance on a few major issues and give little weight to its position on issues they consider minor or secondary. This presentation discusses how elections can serve as turning points that define the political agenda and the alignment of voters within parties during periods of historical change in the economy and society.