Political Parties and Democracy in Trouble

• In Event: Understanding the Drivers of Polarization

Abstract

Political scientists have long adhered to the idea that political parties are crucial building blocks of democracy. The weakening of the U.S. party system has frequently been associated with democratic backsliding. Yet Americans themselves remain skeptical and ambivalent about political parties and their processes. Using an original survey of 1500 respondents, we address some of the underlying elements of this disconnection. We assess whether favorability toward political parties is associated with other attitudes toward democracy, including reactions to the January 6, 2021 insurrection, racial attitudes, and evaluations of American democracy. We also ask respondents for more detailed information about their perceptions of political parties, including whom they think parties represent and how they would favor conducting presidential and Congressional nominations.

Authors

• Julia Rezazadeh Azari, Marquette University

• Seth E. Masket, University of Denver

• Hans Noel, Georgetown University