Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Single-Peak Associations (SPAs) are interest groups that have close ties with a particular political party or ideology. They align themselves closely with one dominant party or movement rather than being independent entities.
Related terms
Partisan Alignment: This refers to the close association between SPAs and a specific political party.
Patronage: The practice of providing benefits or favors by the dominant party to its aligned SPAs in return for their support.
Ideological Consistency: The adherence of SPAs to the core beliefs and values of the political party they are associated with.