The document discusses the origins and development of the two-party system in the United States. It notes that while the framers did not intend for political parties to form, a two-party system emerged with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Over time, election laws and the single-member district plurality voting system have made it difficult for minor parties to emerge and compete with the two major parties. A multi-party system is more common in Europe and can represent diverse views but may also lead to instability.

1. Ch 5.2

2.  From beginning, there was 2 parties
• Ratification of Constitution- Federalists Anti
 Framers were against parties
• Did not put provisions in Constitution for parties
• Did not know how gov’t would develop
 Tradition
• Once 2 party system established, hard to go
against

3.  Single-member districts
• Winner takes all, by plurality
• Discourages minor parties
 Election laws created to defend system
• More difficult for minor parties to get on ballot
• Only 7 times has a minor candidate made it onto
all ballots

4.  We share mostly the same values
principles
• The US is not regularly divided by major issues
 Both parties are moderate
• Try to find the large middle of the road