"Ideological alignment" refers to the degree to which political parties share common beliefs, values, and goals. It signifies that members within a party generally agree on key issues, which shapes party identity and influences policy directions. Parties with strong ideological alignment may adopt similar platforms and strategies, facilitating cohesive action and voter mobilization. In contrast, lack of alignment can lead to internal conflicts, splinter factions, or diluted messaging, potentially diminishing electoral success. Understanding ideological alignment helps to analyze party dynamics and predict behavior within legislative processes.