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This is the link to the site that had great tools and aided me, in addition to my AP Civics class lessons and tests , in writing my essay.

"Government in America: Chapter 9 (Nominations and Campaigns) Key Terms." 2014 Quizlet LLC.

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2.)  Political parties play important roles in United States elections and government institutions. Over the past several decades, the influence of political parties in elections has declined while their strength in Congress has increased.

(a) Describe two important functions of political parties in United States elections.

(b) Describe one important role political parties play within Congress to promote the party’s public policy  agenda.

(c) Explain how each of the following factors has weakened the influence of political parties over the political  process.

Direct primaries  Candidate-centered campaigns

(d) Explain how party polarization has strengthened party influence in Congress.