1. 3-2: The Two-Party System in the U.S.

2. Big Idea: Competing Policy-Making Interests
Enduring Understanding:
Political parties provide opportunities for participation and influence how people relate to government and policymakers.
Learning Objective:
Explain why and how political parties change and adapt.

3. Why We Have Two Parties Similar Political Culture
Belief in freedom
Belief in political equality
Belief in individualism
Belief in equality under the law
Never a strong socialist or nationalist party
Most Americans are moderates
Not consistently ideological
Parties have to appeal to the middle

4. Why We Have Two Parties Tradition Result Two parties since 1800
Generation of self- perpetuating laws
Elections
Debate rules
Congressional procedures
Very difficult for a minor party to become a force

5. Why We Have Two Parties Single-Member Congressional Districts
Only one candidate elected on each ballot
435 districts each with its own election
NOT proportional
Plurality wins—most votes, not majority
Often the majority does NOT get its wish
Electoral College
No influence unless an entire state is won

6. Proportional vs. Single-Member Plurality Voting Systems
Assume a Hypothetical Election
Democrats—38%
Republicans—32%
Libertarians—30%
Proportional System
Democrats get 38% of seats
Republicans get 32% of seats
Libertarians get 30% of seats
Single-Member District or Electoral College
Democrat wins (100%)
Republican gets nothing
Libertarian gets nothing

7. Why We Have Two Parties
Winner-take-all single-member districts discourage minor parties
Expensive campaigns
Minimal chance of winning
Ballot Access
Republicans and Democrats automatically on state ballots
Minor candidates must persuade registered voters to sign petitions

8. How Parties Change Over Time
Candidate-centered campaigns weaken the power of parties.
Structure of parties changed by:
Critical elections
Regional realignments
Campaign finance law
Changes in communication
Changes in data-management technology