12.1 Define political party and describe what happens when rival parties won’t compromise.

12.2 Describe the role that parties play in making government policy.

12.3 Explain the tension between the party base and the general electorate regarding their influence on issue positions.

12.4 Outline the evolution of the party system in the United States.

12.5 Explain the ways in which parties connect citizens and government.

12.6 Describe how the American party system works and give examples of how parties serve (or fail to serve) citizens in American politics.