Final answer:
Political parties in the United States have declined in party identification and loyalty, as well as increased polarization. The principal rivals of the political parties are third parties, although they face significant challenges. The future of political parties in America is uncertain, but there is potential for third parties to become more influential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political parties in the United States have experienced various declines over time. One way they have declined is in terms of party identification and loyalty. In the past, people were more likely to align themselves with a specific political party and be loyal to it. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of independent voters who do not identify strongly with any political party.
Another decline of political parties is the increased polarization and partisanship. The two major parties, Democrats and Republicans, have become more ideologically divided and less willing to work together. This has led to gridlock and difficulty in passing legislation.
The principal rivals of the political parties are third parties. However, third parties face significant challenges and barriers, such as limited funding, media coverage, and ballot access. These factors make it difficult for third parties to gain significant support and challenge the dominance of the major parties.
In terms of the future of political parties in America, it is difficult to speculate with certainty. However, it is possible that third parties may become more influential as dissatisfaction with the major parties grows. Additionally, with changing demographics and political shifts, new parties may emerge to address the evolving needs and concerns of the electorate.