The document discusses the two-party system of American politics. It provides historical context for how the two-party system emerged and has been maintained over time through features of the electoral system like single-member districts and winner-take-all rules. While the two parties find ways to agree, the system discourages third parties and maintains an ideological consensus at the moderate center, though there have been times of deep division in the US. The document also contrasts the two-party system with multiparty systems in other countries.

1. Two-Party System American Government

2. Why a Two-Party System? Historical Basis Ratification of the Constitution Tradition It has always been this way! Critical of the Two-Party System Political Shading What do you think?! Does the two-party system hurt or help American policy?

3. Electoral System Single-member districts-contests in which only one candidate is elected to each office on the ballot. Winner-take-all Plurality-largest number of votes cast (majority-but not always!!!) “ wasted vote” The system discourages non-major party candidates Bipartisan-the two parties find ways to agree

4. Bipartisan Politics Election laws are deliberately written to preserve, protect, and defend the two major parties. Third party candidates do not even make it to each state ballot! Few exceptions! Eugene Debs, Ross Perot

5. Ideological Consensus Pluralistic society-a society of several distinct cultures and groups. Consensus-a general agreement among various groups U.S. History has many examples where the nation has been divided however: Civil War Vietnam War Civil Rights

6. “ Middle of the Road” Our two parties are moderate Democrats Social welfare, regulation, improve status of minorities Republicans Private markets, less government involvement

7. Multiparty Systems A system in which several major and many lesser parties exist, seriously compete for, and actually win, public offices. Parties are based on a particular interest Can sometimes lead to the instability of government Coalition-a temporary alliance of several groups who come together to form a working majority.

8. One-Party Systems A “no-party” system-A Dictatorship! Some states have been accused of having a “one-party” system Democrats in the South in the 1960's Republicans in the Northeast

9. Party Membership Patterns Do we have Party Membership Patterns in the U.S.? Religions? Socio-Economic Status? Culture? Significant minor parties-p.124