Measuring Party Identification: Independent or No Partisan Preference?

Abstract

This study examines how have been classified by the traditional measure of party identification in the Center for Political Studies' national election series. The studies have combined no-preference respondents and self-labeled into the same category, thereby clouding the meaning of declining party identification. A steady increase in no-preference respondents between 1964 and 1980 accounts for the growth in nonpartisanship over these years. The no-preference nonpartisans are distinct from Independents in their level of political involvement and attitudes toward political independence. The declining party identification in recent years reflects the reduced saliency of parties in the political process more than dissatisfaction with party performance.