Answer each question below carefully. The objective of this assignment is to assess whether or not you understood the major themes and concepts for the chapter on "Political Parties". Use your own words in responding to these short essay questions. You must submit your responses in word document format using the "Browse My Computer" button on the assignment submission page, which can be found by clicking the title of this assignment above. Responses should be limited to two or three single-spaced pages. In your answers, please number each response accordingly. Use ‘12' inch size Times New Roman font; with one inch margins throughout.

1. What are the causes and consequences of southern realignment?

2. How did political parties rise and then decline in influence?

3. Discuss the factors that led to the fall of political machines in the United States.

4. What groups and interests now are more likely to be affiliated with the Democratic and the Republican parties? What role do you predict for the electoral process as more people identify themselves as Independents?

5. How have religious affiliations impacted party alignments? Do you think religion plays a role in determining how people vote?

6. Why was the period after the Civil War referred to as the "golden age" of political parties? What tactics did the parties use at the time to maximize their power?