Political Parties United States as Broad Coalitions

Democracies: America vs. Europe U.S. has had only two major parties for most of our historyU.S. has had only two major parties for most of our history Most European democracies are multiparty systemsMost European democracies are multiparty systems

U.S. – Two Major Parties Our elections are based on plurality, winner take all systemOur elections are based on plurality, winner take all system A vote for a minor party is often perceived as a wasted voteA vote for a minor party is often perceived as a wasted vote

U.S. – Two Party System In spite of occasional bitter dissent, Americans have not faced divisive & longstanding controversies over the org. of the economy & the role of the churchIn spite of occasional bitter dissent, Americans have not faced divisive & longstanding controversies over the org. of the economy & the role of the church Have agreed on enough issues to make broad coalitions possibleHave agreed on enough issues to make broad coalitions possible

U.S. – Two Party System State laws have made it exceedingly difficult for third parties to get on the ballotState laws have made it exceedingly difficult for third parties to get on the ballot George Wallace (1968) & John Anderson (1980) experienced much difficultyGeorge Wallace (1968) & John Anderson (1980) experienced much difficulty Ballot matters were somewhat easier for Ross Perot in 1992 & Ralph Nader in 2000 & 2004Ballot matters were somewhat easier for Ross Perot in 1992 & Ralph Nader in 2000 & 2004

Europe: Multiparty System Proportional representationProportional representation Even small parties have a chance of winning something, and therefore have an incentive to organizeEven small parties have a chance of winning something, and therefore have an incentive to organize

Minor (third) Parties In spite of difficulty, third parties have formedIn spite of difficulty, third parties have formed Ideological parties (Socialist, Communist, Libertarian parties)Ideological parties (Socialist, Communist, Libertarian parties) One issue parties (Prohibition parties)One issue parties (Prohibition parties) Economic Protest (Populist parties)Economic Protest (Populist parties)

Minor (third) Parties Factional parties (Progressive party)Factional parties (Progressive party) Factional parties have had the greatest influence on public policyFactional parties have had the greatest influence on public policy This is due to the impact of a factional split on the unity of a major political party & the subsequent possibility of an electoral defeatThis is due to the impact of a factional split on the unity of a major political party & the subsequent possibility of an electoral defeat