The American political process is a mix of formal public debate and informal, behind the doors interaction. A political party is an organization whose purpose is to gain legitimate control of the state . Parties link the government with the people. They define policy alternatives, transmit public opinion, and mobilize the masses. They are also responsible for the recruitment and presentation of candidates to the people.
Most democracies have many parties.
Effectively, the American political process has only two parties . In the American form of democracy, the majority rules. Minority parties, therefore, cannot survive. They cross class lines and they avoid specific or controversial policies and issues. American political parties could not win elections if they advocated specific issues or offered support to specific groups.