When political parties mobilize voters, bring issues to the public attention, educate the public on issues of interest to the party, and compete with each other by expanding the scope of conflict, what else do they accomplish?

a. They stimulate political interest among citizens, and thus contribute to democracy by increasing democratic participation by the American public.
b. They demonstrate that politicians will say and do anything to get elected and that campaign promises do not indicate what they will do once elected.
c. They show the American public what true patriotism is through their candidates' willingness to do what they believe is in the best interests of the entire nation.
d. They gain political power under the guise of educating Americans on public policy issues, thus contributing to the appearance of democratic governance.

a