1. Political Parties

2. Ticket splitting is now very common The big trends:

6. Ticket splitting is now very common Independent voters are up The big trends:

7. Ticket splitting is now very common Independent voters are up Still more Democrats, but barely The big trends:

9. Ticket splitting is now very common Independent voters are up Still more Democrats, but barely Impact/importance of parties is on the decline The big trends:

10. Ticket splitting is now very common Independent voters are up Still more Democrats, but barely Impact/importance of parties is on the decline Divided government is now common The big trends:

11. Critical election years: 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932 Critical Elections:

12. Critical election years: 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932 A period of party "realignment" happens when there is a major, long-lasting voting pattern shift. Critical Elections:

13. Critical election years: 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932 A period of party "realignment" happens when there is a major, long-lasting voting pattern shift We are in an age of party dealignment Critical Elections:

14. Ralph Nader Third Parties in America:

15. A two party system is rare worldwide. Third Parties in America:

16. A two party system is rare worldwide. It is extremely hard to win as a third party in our two party system. Third Parties in America:

17. A two party system is rare worldwide. It is extremely hard to win as a third party in our two party system. Ex: Labor- 45% Conservatives- 43% Green- 12% *Winner-take-all system maintains a two party system Third Parties in America: