Final answer:
The three faces of political parties in American politics are the party-in-the-electorate, the party organization, and the party-in-government, all playing unique roles in the political system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three Faces of Political Parties
In American politics, political parties have three distinct components as identified by political scientist V. O. Key: the party-in-the-electorate, the party organization, and the party-in-government.
The party-in-the-electorate comprises voters who identify with a political party and tend to vote based on this affiliation. The party organization is the formal structure that coordinates the party's activities, such as campaigning and supporting candidates.
Lastly, the party-in-government is composed of the elected and appointed officials who are affiliated with the political party, implementing policies and working towards reelection. Each of these components has a specific and crucial role, working together to influence policy through democratic elections.