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Political Parties

Political Parties. Why A Two Party System?. Why does the U.S. have a two party system?. Two Party System. Most modern democracies have a multi-party system U.S. is in the minority with its two party system, one of only about 15 in the world today. Two Party System.

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Political Parties

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  1. Political Parties Why A Two Party System?

  2. Why does the U.S. have a two party system?

  3. Two Party System • Most modern democracies have a multi-party system • U.S. is in the minority with its two party system, one of only about 15 in the world today

  4. Two Party System • Even though a number of third parties have emerged in the course of U.S. history, none have endured

  5. Two Party System • With the exception of a short period in the early 1800s, two major political parties have always competed with one another for power in the system

  6. Two Party System • Three important reasons for the American two-party system: • (1) Consensus of values • (2) Historical influence • (3) Winner-take-all system

  7. Consensus of Values • It is easy to complain about bickering between Democrats & Republicans • What we forget is that Americans share a broad consensus, or agreement, of many basic political values

  8. Consensus of Values • Both parties believe in liberty, equality, and individualism • Neither advocates that the Constitution be discarded • Both accept the election process by conceding defeat to the winners

  9. Consensus of Values • In many countries with multi-party systems, the range of beliefs is greater, and disagreements run deeper

  10. Historical Influence • Nation began with two political parties (Federalists & the anti-Federalists)

  11. Historical Influence • During early American history politicians tended to take sides, starting with the debate over the constitution, and continuing with disagreements within George Washington’s cabinet

  12. Historical Influence • This tendency has persisted throughout American history

  13. Winner-Take-All System • Single most important reason for a two-party system is the winner-take-all or pluralist electoral system

  14. Winner-Take-All System • This system contrasts to those with proportional representation: • Percentage of votes for a party’s candidates is directly applied as the percentage of representatives in the legislature

  15. Winner-Take-All System • Winner in American elections is the one who receives the largest number of votes in each voting district

  16. Winner-Take-All System • Winner does not need to have more than 50%, but only one vote more than her/his closest competitor

  17. Winner-Take-All System • This process encourages parties to become larger, embracing more & more voters

  18. Winner-Take-All System • Third parties have almost no hope of getting candidates into office • Their points of view tend to fall under the umbrella of one or both of the big parties

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