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We propose a theory of political parties in which interest groups and activists are the key actors, and coalitions of groups develop common agendas and screen candidates for party nominations based on loyalty to their agendas. This theoretical stance contrasts with currently dominant theories, which view parties as controlled by election-minded politicians. The difference is normatively important because parties dominated by interest groups and activists are less responsive to voter preferences, even to the point of taking advantage of lapses in voter attention to politics. Our view is consistent with evidence from the formation of national parties in the 1790s, party position change on civil rights and abortion, patterns of polarization in Congress, policy design and nominations for state legislatures, Congress, and the presidency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is a party? This article presents the argument that the formal party apparatus is only one part of an extended network of interest groups, media, other advocacy organizations and candidates. The authors have measured a portion of this network in the United States systematically by tracking lists of names transferred between political organizations. Two distinct and polarized networks are revealed, which correspond to a more liberal Democratic group and a more conservative Republican group. Formal party organizations, like the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee, tend to receive information within their respective networks, which suggests that other groups serve to funnel information towards the formal party. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a response to Russel Muirhead's review of his book "Political Ideologies and Political Parties in America." He noted that Muirhead had meaningfully contributed to the project of offering better normative theoretical grounding for political parties in reviewing the book. He states that Muirhead cites an ambiguity in his showing concern for the ideologies' outside influence while respecting their frequently divisive work.