Political Parties

Political parties are organized groups that recruit candidates, run campaigns, and work to win elections and control government. Parties include the large national ones, smaller parties, and independent movements. They shape how candidates are chosen, how legislatures organize, and how voters understand their choices.

People usually bring questions about how primaries and party delegates pick nominees and how the parties differ in structure and strategy. Others ask about independent voters, minor parties, electoral fusion, and what happens when one party or several share control of the White House and Congress.