Abstract
1960s and 1970s; so did the strength of partisan attachments, but to a lesser extent; and the proportion of self-identified independents in the electorate increased. Split-ticket voting became more prevalent. Party organizations also suffered as a result of reforms in the nomination process. With the electronic media, principally television, gradually replacing the parties as a major link to voters, campaigns and elections became more candidate-centered. Within the government, Congress decentralized power, evolving from a standing committee to a standing subcommittee system. The ability of its leadership to dictate policy outcomes also declined as did party unity. Presidents began to exercise more initiative in creating and maintaining issue-based coalitions across party lines. The weakening of the Democrats' status as majority party provided opportunities for Republicans to win the presidency, opportunities which they lacked in the aftermath of Roosevelt's New Deal coalition. With the Democrats re-
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