Political parties are major vehicles of popular participation in democratic government. Their nature and functions and the roles they play in American politics are a major reason why government in the United States is in fact "government by the people." Internet Activities Click on Internet Activities to the left for help in completing the Chapter Review Activity on page 127 of your textbook. In this activity you will compare the Democratic and Republican parties.

Republican Party Campaign Poster from 1900. Courtesy The Museum of American Political Life.