| Attribute | Cadre | Mass Membership |
| Concept of Democracy | Pluralistic: party only one political actor | Majoritarian: party primary political actor. |
| Goal Definition | Instrumentalist: defines goals to win elections | Purposive: wins elections to implement goals |
| Representative Function | Brokerage role: party aggregates interest; positive view of interest groups. | Representative role: party articulates & aggregates interests; hostile view of interest groups. |
| Political Change | Centrist: supports status quo; incremental, consensual change | Reformist: comprehensive change |
| Party System | Two Party | Multiparty |
| Functions | Cadre | Mass Membership |
| Party Functions | Electoral : ideology & governing subordinate | Ideological: electoral & governing subordinate |
| Activities | Electoral: geared to election cycle | Continuous: ideological, educational, &electoral |
| Organizational Incentives |
Material: patronage | Purposive: Ideological |
| Operational Style | Pragmatic | Ideological |
| Organizational Requirements |
Utilitarian; depends on situational requirements. | Extensive: highly integrative structures |
| Membership | Generally few | Integrated: dues paying, formal membership |
| Leadership | Avocational: few full-time workers or leaders | Professional: permanent bureaucracy & full-time leadership |
| Locus of Power | Party-in-the-government | Party organization |