參酌政黨理論的研究傳統，本文以政黨的選舉實力、政黨在民主政治的正當性兩項指標，觀察我國自民主化以來政黨體系制度化的程度，結果顯示，在選舉實力方面，無論是由民眾政黨認同或者政黨得票率來看，我國可被歸類為長期穩定的兩黨體系。至於政黨正當性方面，儘管未能像第一項指標有近20年的實證資料，但現有2008-2011年的調查顯示，肯定政黨在民主政治重要地位的民意，穩定地介於七成三到八成之間的高百分比。統計模型也發現，愈肯定政黨競選動員、政府治理功能者，愈認同政黨的正當性；顯示政黨的表現與其制度化的程度息息相關。另外，愈支持民主的民眾，也傾向愈肯定政黨在民主政治的重要地位。過去許多文獻均已指出，政黨體系的制度化有助於一國的民主鞏固。如果將此一論點對照我國的發展經驗與本文的研究發現可知，對於政黨、選舉、民主政治三者在我國政治的互動結果，吾人應能給予審慎而樂觀的評價。從大眾政治態度的面向來看，我國政黨體系已邁向制度化；此外，儘管選舉糾紛屢見不鮮，但無論是精英或大眾多已能接受政黨選舉競爭為共同認可的遊戲規則。從我國現有政治的運作經驗觀之，上述結果也有利於民主公民文化的逐漸成形。然而，我們也不能過份樂觀，畢竟政黨體系的制度化只是民主邁向鞏固的條件之一，台灣的民主政治是否得以深化，無疑地將有待更多條件的配合。 The study examines institutionalization of party system by two criteria: electoral strength and party legitimacy. With regard to electoral strengths, Taiwan's case apparently is a stable two-party system according to the trend of party identification and votes since 1986. In addition, nearly 73-80% Taiwanese support party legitimacy in Taiwan's democracy. The statistic model finds that party performance and support for democracy are the major reasons for explaining Taiwanese support for party legitimacy. Old generation and party identifiers are also inclined to prove party legitimacy. In conclusion, the author argues that increasing institutionalization of party system has exerted positive effects on Taiwanese democracy. Most people has accepted party-based election as the only game in town. However, party institutionalization is merely one of the element for deepening democracy, more works are needed for democratic consolidation.
