1. American Two- Party System Wilson 9C

2. Two-Party System Rare around the world Evenly balanced national, not locally Why it still exists in US Electoral system Winner-take-all “Wasted vote” Plurality system Broad coalitions form before election Opinion of voters Difficult for third parties to get on ballot

3. Minor Parties Ideological – comprehensive, radical, enduring Socialist, Communist, Libertarian One-issue – seek single issue, avoid others Free Soil, Prohibition, Know-Nothing Economic Protest – regional, economic conditions Greenback, Populist Factionalist – split from major party, nomination Bull Moose, American Independent, Reform (Progressive)

4. More Minor Parties? Surprising more have not lasted Civil rights Anti-war Slim chance to win Incorporated in national platforms Impact is hard to judge Factional effect political policy most Ideological last the longest

5. Nominating the President Desire to win leads to appealing candidate Moderate to general populace Compromise with extreme views Delegate make-up More ideological than voters* Less diverse than voters Primaries More numerous More important Caucus – most dedicated partisans show up

6. New Delegates Issue-oriented activists Advantages Increased opportunities Decreased chance of splits Disadvantages Nominated candidates that cannot win Nominated candidates unacceptable to leadership

7. Parties vs. Voters Democrats More congressional elections Delegates out of step with average voter Less successful presidential candidates Republicans Demographic shifts hurt with electorate Must play to the extremes to get nomination Differences usually quite small

8. Free Response