| Democratic Party | A political party that originated in the late 1700s and is still active today. Its membership and beliefs have changed many times. Throughout the 20th century, the Democratic Party shifted to support more liberal policies. |
| linkage institutions | Institutions that provide a link between citizens and their government. These include political parties, interest groups, and the media. |
| party platform | party platform A document prepared by a political party to outline the party's policies and objectives and win voter support during a political campaign. |
| political party | political party An organization of citizens with similar views that seeks to have its members elected to government offices. |
| political spectrum | political spectrum The range of political ideas and beliefs. |
| Republican Party | Republican Party A political party started in the 1850s that is still active today. Although the Republican Party has generally pursued pro-business economic policies, its social policies have become more conservative over time. |
