Describe a secular realignment. How is it different from a party ...

[saraeharris]

Describe a secular realignment. How is it different from a party realignment?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Identify the major activities or functions of political parties.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[milbourne11]

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.