The decline of party strength and influence began in the 19th century, partly due to the growth of the federal government under FDR whose 'New Deal' establishment served to undermine traditional social functions once carried out by party machines, thus weakening party loyalty. In the 1960's and 1970s new issues such as civil rights, feminism, environmentalism and consumer rights arose to challenge traditional voting habits. These issues did not divide neatly along party lines and more voters indulged in "ticket-splitting" (voting for different parties in different elections). …
