Final answer:
Partisanship significantly influences the structure of political parties and voter behavior, leading to a two-party system, polarization, and challenges in governance. However, it also provides clear choices to voters and ensures no single party monopolizes political discourse. The evolving landscape with candidate-centered campaigns indicates changing impacts of partisanship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Role of Partisanship in Elections.
Partisanship plays a significant role in elections, influencing both the structure of political parties and the behavior of voters. In the United States, a two-party system dominated by Republicans and Democrats has been shaped by electoral rules such as plurality voting. While this system has resulted in political stability, it has also led to the marginalization of third parties and an increased tendency towards polarization.
Parties help candidates get elected with a focus on voter mobilization and shaping party ideology. However, starting from the 1990s, a decrease in bipartisan cooperation and an increase in partisan polarization have been observed. Fewer elected officials hold moderate positions, leading to a more divided political landscape. The sorting thesis suggests this polarization results from voters aligning themselves with parties based on national rather than state-level concerns.
Despite concerns over the rise of polarization, political parties remain crucial in forming policies and mobilizing voter support. While polarization poses challenges in governing and may lead to extreme legislative actions, it also provides voters with distinct choices and helps maintain the vibrancy of democratic processes by avoiding a monopoly on political discourse. Nevertheless, certain trends, such as candidate-centered campaigns and a declining role of political parties, point towards an evolving political system where the impact of partisanship may be changing.