Chapter 5 Section 2
Two-Party System Historical Basis- The party system began as a two party system (Federalists/Anti-Federalists) Force of Tradition- People have accepted it because it has always been this way. Electoral System- Parties have made other feel inferior. Campaign financing has played a role.
Two-Party System American Ideological Consensus- Both parties look a lot alike. “Middle of the road”
Multiparty Systems Several major parties and minor parties based on specific things. ie religion. Breaks up support and can create instability.
One-Party Systems Really a no party system. Hitler, Stalin
Party Membership Patterns Purely voluntary. Tend to lean toward party of the parents. Economic status also influences party choice.