Question about Political parties

Question

Describe the factors that have contributed to the overall weakening of political parties in America. How are parties weaker? How do they remain important? What are the advantages of a political system with weak political parties? What are the disadvantages?

Answer 1

I think the identity of political parties shift over time with one party taking advantage of the change leading to the weakening of the appeal of the other side. I see this with the realigning elections in American politics over time.

Realigning Elections: Represent a dramatic shift in the voting of the electorate or the ideology of political parties. There have been SIX in American History. 

Election of 1800: The first TWO party election. Small government v. large government concept.

Election of 1828: Rise of the Democratic Party under Jackson and universal manhood suffrage. 

Election of 1860: The combination of multiple Northern parties under the Republican Party and the solidification of Democratic control in the south. 

Election of 1896: The rise of money politics, modern political campaigning, shift to Rural v. Urban interests. Republicans=liberal, Democrats=Conservative. 

Election of 1932: Rise of modern Democratic Party and liberalism and fracturing of Republican Party due to fiscal conservatism in Great Depression. 

Election of 1968: Following the defection of Dixiecrats following Democratic pushes for Civil Rights legislation, the modern Republican party of social and fiscal conservatism forms. Democratic Party fractures in turmoil of 1968.