Continuing a three-decade tradition The State of the Parties 7th edition brings together leading experts to evaluate change and continuity in American electoral politics. Political parties in America have never been more contentious and divided than they are right now. Even splits within the parties themselves have the power to elevate relatively unknown candidates to power and topple established incumbents. With sections devoted to polarization and the electorate polarization and political elites tea party politics super PACS and partisan resources and partisan activities the contributors survey the American political landscape. They pay special attention to polarization between and within the parties in the aftermath of the 2012 election demographic changes to America s political parties the effects of new media and campaign finance laws on national and local electoral results the Tea Party s rise and as always the implications of all these factors on future policymaking and electoral prospects. The State of the Parties 7th edition offers an indispensable guide to American politics for scholars students and practitioners. Contributions by: Alan Abramowitz Paul A. Beck Michael John Burton Edward G. Carmines Daniel J. Coffey William F. Connelly Jr. Meredith Dost Diana Dwyre Michael J. Ensley Peter L. Francia Erik Heidemann Shannon Jenkins Caitlin E. Jewitt David C. Kimball Robin Kolodny Thad Kousser David B. Magleby Seth Masket William G. Mayer Eric McGhee William J. Miller Jonathan S. Morris Ronald Rapoport Douglas D. Roscoe Dante Scala Daniel M. Shea Boris Shor Walter Stone Jeffrey M. Stonecash Eric C. Vorst Michael W. Wagner