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Lesson PreviewLesson 4 of 13 in this unit

5.4 How and Why Political Parties Change and Adapt

Part of Political Participation in AP® US Government & Politics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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Political parties adapt in response to changing electoral conditions, social trends, and technological advancements. Critical elections can realign party coalitions, shifting long-term voting patterns and policy priorities. These realignments reflect changing demographic and ideological landscapes and force parties to redefine their platforms.

In this unit

13 lessons

  1. 5.1Voting Rights and Models of Voting BehaviorPreview lesson
  2. 5.2Voter TurnoutPreview lesson
  3. 5.3Political PartiesPreview lesson
  4. 5.4How and Why Political Parties Change and AdaptThis lesson
  5. 5.5Third-Party PoliticsPreview lesson
  6. 5.6Interest Groups Influencing PolicymakingPreview lesson
  7. 5.7Groups Influencing Policy OutcomesPreview lesson
  8. 5.8Electing a PresidentPreview lesson
  9. 5.9Congressional ElectionsPreview lesson
  10. 5.10Modern CampaignsPreview lesson
  11. 5.11Campaign FinancePreview lesson
  12. 5.12The MediaPreview lesson
  13. 5.13Changing MediaPreview lesson

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