This volume is an analysis of the American party
system, an account of the structure, processes and sig-
nificance of the political party, designed to show as clearly
as possible within compact limits what the function of
the political party is in the community. My purpose is to
make this, as far as possible, an objective study of the
organization and behavior of our political parties. It is
hoped that this volume may serve as an introduction to
students and others who wish to find a concise account of
the party system; and also that it may serve to stimulate
more intensive study of the important features and
processes of the party. From time to time in the course
of this discussion significant fields of inquiry have been
indicated where it is believed that research would bear
rich fruit. In the light of broader statistical information
than we now have and with the aid of a thorough-going
social and political psychology than we now have, it will
be possible in the future to make much more exhaustive
and conclusive studies of political parties than we are able
to do at present. The objective, detailed study of politi-
cal behavior will unquestionably enlarge our knowledge of
the system of social and political control under which we
now operate. But such inquiries will call for funds and
personnel not now available to me.

This volume is based upon some twenty-five years of
observation and study of the party system in the United
States. The writer has also enjoyed some special facili-

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