Final answer:
The 'party in the electorate' refers to voters who identify with and consistently support a political party through voting and other forms of advocacy, making them a crucial element of the party's strength and success in elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of party in the electorate refers to those members of the voting public who align themselves with a political party. These individuals, known as party identifiers, express their support through voting and may also contribute financially, attend party events, and engage in advocacy for their preferred political party. The role they play is foundational in a democracy because, without their support, a political party would have little chance of securing office and implementing policy.
A party-in-the-electorate individual does not need to be actively involved in the political machines of the party to be considered a part. Simply by consistently voting for a party's candidates or openly identifying with the party, an individual is a part of this component. The presence of these voters is essential for the success of a political party's candidates during elections and contributes to the party's stability through loyalty and voting patterns.