The Passing of Realignment and the Advent of the “Base-less” Party System

Abstract

This article is an attempt to merge two of the more significant developments in recent American politics: the failure of our system to undergo a partisan-based realignment and the advent of service-oriented party organizations. Whereas traditional explanations of the “missing realignment” center around the attitudes of voters and/or the activities of candidates, this article suggests the parties are to blame. That is, the goals and activities of contemporary party organizations often frustrate voter attachment to parties, as well as the development of coherent platforms. Critical realignments have become a thing of the past. Yet, we have moved into a new era characterized by aggressive, national organizations, which I dub the “base-less” party system.