Walter Dean Burnham

Walter Dean Burnham is an influential American political scientist known for his work on electoral behavior and political parties. He is credited with developing the "critical realignment" theory, which examines how major shifts in political party support can occur during elections, often reshaping the political landscape. Burnham's research has emphasized the importance of underlying social and economic factors in influencing voter behavior. His insights have contributed to the understanding of American politics, particularly in analyzing how demographic changes impact party systems over time. His work continues to be relevant in political science discussions today.