Why are there only two of them?

 I can explain why the U.S. practices a two- party system as opposed to a multi-party or single-party system.  I can analyze the role of 3 rd parties in the American two-party system.  I can design a 3 rd party that theoretically could compete with the Dems and Reps in 2016.

Political parties serve which of the following functions in the United States? I. Informing the public about political issues. II. Mobilizing voters and getting them to the polls. III. Organizing diverse interests within society. IV. Establishing the rules governing financial contributions to political candidates. a. II only b. I and II only c. III and IV only d. I, II, and III only e. I, III, and IV only

Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10? a.A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism. b.Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics. c.The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities. d.Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny. e.The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

 The Historical Basis. The nation started out with two-parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.  The Force of Tradition. America has a two-party system because it always has had one. Minor parties/3 rd parties, lacking wide political support, have never made a successful showing, so people are reluctant to support them.  The Electoral System. We expect the winner of the election to have a 51% or better majority. This can only be guaranteed in a race with two candidates. If there are three or more, the winner may be determined by a plurality.  Ideological Consensus. Most Americans have a general agreement on fundamental matters. Conditions that would spark several strong rival parties do not exist in the United States.  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - Major Parties have more of it.  Election Rules – winner take all, ballot access, public funding discourage 3 rd parties from participating.

Definition & Examples AdvantagesDisadvantages Why doesn’t the U.S. use this?

Definition & Examples AdvantagesDisadvantages Why doesn’t the U.S. use this?

If they never win, why do they run?

Splinter Party: Parties that form when a split occurs in a major party. Example: Roosevelt’s “Bull Moose” Progressive Party in 1912 Economic Protest Parties: Parties that develop out of bad economic times. Example: Ross Perot’s Reform Party in 1992 and 1996 Ideological Parties: Parties calling for systemic change to the American system of government. Types of Minor Parties Single-issue Parties: Parties based on a single issue. Examples: Which category does each fit into?

 Funding – lack of donors, need 5% or more of vote in presidential election to qualify for public funds  Single member districts and winner take all – no reward for coming in 2 nd.  Getting media attention  Getting name on ballot – state requirements/petitions  “Can’t win” syndrome  “Mistress” mentality among voters  Democrats and Republicans work to block them.

Minor parties play several important roles: “ Spoiler Role”  Minor party candidates can pull decisive votes away from one of the major parties’ candidates, especially if the minor party candidate is from a splinter party. Critic  Minor parties, especially single-issue parties, often take stands on and draw attention to controversial issues that the major parties would prefer to ignore. Innovator  Often, minor parties will draw attention to important issues and propose innovative solutions to problems. If these proposals gain popular support, they are often integrated into the platforms of the two major parties.