Role of Political Parties in Electoral Process

Political parties in the United States have undergone significant shifts and realignments over the decades, often reflecting changes in the electorate's demographics, values, and major national issues. While the two dominant parties, the Democrats and Republicans, have established themselves as the primary players in American politics, various third parties and independent movements have also emerged, albeit less successfully. Understanding the dynamics between these parties can shed light on current political trends and voter behavior.

In the context of political participation and party realignment, which of the following statements accurately describes the role of political parties in the electoral process?