One of Mudge’s theoretical claims is a refraction approach to political parties. This takes off from articulation theory with its party downward approach, with five points:

(1) Parties exist on a relational terrain;

(2) Parties have complex goals of winning office, representing constituents and perhaps their own consciences, and claiming the truth;

(3) Parties are anchored to state, administrative, civic, economic and cultural terrains;

(4) Parties are especially focused on cultural infrastructure including education, socialization, knowledge production, and producing experts on the economy and other policies; and