Answer to Question 1
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Describe a secular realignment as a gradual rearrangement of party coalitions based more on demographic shifts than on shocks to the political system. Note that the most recent realignment has been of the secular variety.
2. Describe a party realignment as a rare event in American politics often associated with a major national crisis. Critical elections, economic crisis, or war may be key precipitators.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify the major functions of American political parties: running candidates for office, getting out the vote, facilitating electoral choice, providing leadership in policy formulation, and organizing institutions of government such as congressional committees.
The secular trend in growth as measured in Swedish (a) girls and (b) boys between 1883 and 1968.
The Rise of the Second American Party System, 1828
The Secular Trend in Menarche in Five Western Nations
Which Political Party Dominates?
Describe the Conceptual Forecasting Framework in your own words.
Describe the Conceptual Forecasting Framework in your own words.