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American Two-Party System

American Two-Party System. Wilson 9C. Rare around the world Evenly balanced national, not locally Why it still exists in US Electoral system Winner-take-all “Wasted vote” Plurality system Broad coalitions form before election Opinion of voters

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American Two-Party System

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  1. American Two-Party System Wilson 9C

  2. Rare around the world • Evenly balanced national, not locally • Why it still exists in US • Electoral system • Winner-take-all • “Wasted vote” • Plurality system • Broad coalitions form before election • Opinion of voters • Difficult for third parties to get on ballot Two-Party System

  3. Ideological – comprehensive, radical, enduring • Socialist, Communist, Libertarian • One-issue – seek single issue, avoid others • Free Soil, Prohibition, Know-Nothing • Economic Protest – regional, economic conditions • Greenback, Populist • Factionalist – split from major party, nomination • Bull Moose, American Independent, Reform (Progressive) Minor Parties

  4. Surprising more have not lasted • Civil rights • Anti-war • Slim chance to win • Incorporated in national platforms • Impact is hard to judge • Factional effect political policy most • Ideological last the longest More Minor Parties?

  5. Desire to win leads to appealing candidate • Moderate to general populace • Compromise with extreme views • Delegate make-up • More ideological than voters* • Less diverse than voters • Primaries • More numerous • More important • Caucus – most dedicated partisans show up Nominating the President

  6. Issue-oriented activists • Advantages • Increased opportunities • Decreased chance of splits • Disadvantages • Nominated candidates that cannot win • Nominated candidates unacceptable to leadership New Delegates

  7. Democrats • More congressional elections • Delegates out of step with average voter • Less successful presidential candidates • Republicans • Demographic shifts hurt with electorate • Must play to the extremes to get nomination • Differences usually quite small Parties vs. Voters

  8. Free Response

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