Parties are more likely to form coalitions with groups that are like them and show loyalty, but not those that are rich.

Forming coalitions with interested groups is an integral part of the American political system. But how do parties decide who to include in their coalition? In new research which uses the transcripts of Democratic Party policy platform hearings, Jennifer Nicoll Victor finds that groups which are closer to the party ideologically, and who show loyalty, are more likely to be brought into the Democrats’ coalition.