Question

The United States has traditionally been a two party system. Many other Democracies and Republics have many parties (Europe).

1. Do you think we should continue the two party system? Why or why not?  
2. What other party would you support if we changed our party system?

Please make sure your responses are 250 to 300 substantive words.

Answer 1

US traditionally has only two parties, the Democrats and Republicans. More than on party is necessary for a democracy to function. But why always two? The answer to this is argued that this way would maintain lot more stability. America uses a particular system called 'single member district plurality' that means every election produces only one winner.

People those in favour of two party system say that it simplifies politics for common Americans and the two party system has a historical precedence of functioning nicely in America. Whereas those who are against this two party system say that there is no room for new ideas and third party candidates.

According to me, two party system should continue because this way it promotes centrism and encourages the political parties to find common positions. It leads to stability, which then can lead to economic growth.

There can be a third party here. But majority is needed to win, so mostly the third party will just move towards the major two parties as per the law of French sociologist Maurice Duverger. Like Kanye West who recently declared his bid for presidency, but he would find much difficulty in getting into the ballot. Many reasons from not enough signatures to missing the deadline for filing nomination can come in the way to ballot. If such a popular person is finding it difficult to get into the ballot, then imagine what a newcomer would face.

But in case, if there is a third party who has thrived to enter the ballot and if the two party system is removed, then one can search for a newcomer with better ideas about running America. But America is no where near removing the two party system in any near future.