13-1 The Development of Political Parties in the United States

• Explain the historical development of the party system and the role of “critical elections,” partisan realignment, and partisan dealignment in the United States.

13-2 The Functions of Political Parties

• Identify and explain the four broad functions of political parties.

13-3 Why a Two-Party System?

• Describe the historical and legal factors that contributed to the development of the two-party system.

13-4 Party Organizations

• Illustrate how party organizations operate at the national, state, and local levels and how they help their candidates win elections.

13-5 Voting

• Evaluate the role of state governments in managing elections and the effect of constitutional amendments on the expansion of voting rights.

13-6 Exercising the Franchise

• Assess the factors in influencing voter turnout and how it has trended over time.

13-7 Participation beyond Voting

• Explain the many forms of political participation beyond voting.