Democracy and American Political Parties: Democratic Ideals, Political Uncertainty, and Strategic Positioning

1. Democracy and the ideal role of political parties -- 2. Enduring doubts about political parties -- 3. Notions of party and conflict -- 4. Shifting electoral bases -- 5. Conflicting interpretations of change -- 6. The lack of a majority -- 7. Continuing social change and events -- 8. Voters, partisanship and the media -- 9. Enduring uncertainty and troubling behaviors -- 10. Pursuing coalitions and an identity : long-term strategies -- 11. Disparaging the other party : short-term strategies -- 12. Democracy and the continuous campaign.