Argues that the political party remains an institution whose primary purpose is to allow elites to coordinate their activities in the political area.

Addresses the altered states of political parties and politics in the post-Cold War era.

Details how the Supreme Court has impoverished the constitutional standing of political parties, thereby contributing to a crisis of representation.

Examines the emergence of state-level legislative campaign committees in the U. S. , which are quickly becoming the dominant force in state politics, and explores their relationship with traditional party organizations.