Question

Give five clear reasons why having only two major political parties is a good idea and explain why

Answer 1

• Political information is much easier to understand.-Although a two-party system limits the options of voters, it allows parties to present information in a convenient manner. Each party is able to represent their own broad political philosophy. As such, voters can better understand the views of a party regarding certain issues.
• Balance is achieved because multiple interests and opinions are accommodated.Each party is comprised of organized groups and individual voters who all have a broad range of interests. As such, a party needs to be able to accommodate these interests when making political decisions. Including voter’s interests also allows a party to receive continued support.
• Political stability is achieved.Having only two parties doesn’t encourage sudden shifts in political trends which can lead to government instability. Only with political stability can economic growth be achieved.With a two-party system, one political party gains a real majority in elections. This allows for stability as they have a common platform to adhere to. As a result, there is decisiveness in government.
• Governing them is much more simpler.Two-party systems have been preferred over multi-party systems because they are not difficult to govern. This kind of system also discourages radical minor parties and as such, the results are less unruliness and more harmony.
• There are fewer voting choices.Although some would consider this a disadvantage as having only two options is limiting, there are some who agree that being given two choices helps voters make a much better decision.
• While a multi-party does give voters more choices; it also gives small fringe groups the chance to gain power simply because they can be a more cohesive group. Which can, in all honesty, allow a small group with very radical ideas and theology to gain power because the majority of the votes would be divided among the more rational mainstream candidates.So having a two party system is a good idea.
• Multi-party systems encourage extremism in elected leaders that represent each party where the extremist views result from the division of the body politic into multiple parties. Two party systems encourage moderation in elected leaders that are representative of diverse views within a party. Two-party leaders need 50% + 1 of support of the body politic.
• To achieve this support, they must moderate their views and represent a larger body of interests. Therefore, they can govern more readily as they don't need to compromise with other parties. A two-party system encourages moderate leaders. A multi-party system encourages extremist leaders that must moderate their views to govern.