What sort of electrical problem could be plaguing my 2000 Ford Escort ZX2?

Ford doesn't make anything but 12 volt cars, & the voltage regulator is built into the alternator, not a separate piece anymore. The car isn't holding the charge, either because the battery is dying or the alternator isn't making a charge. If you can get a small voltage meter, read the voltage across the battery WITH the engine running. If the alternator is working, it should be around 14 volts or a bit higher. If it is, then the battery is going. If only 12 or less, the alternator is the problem.