1. Political Parties Why A Two Party System?

2. Why does the U.S. have a two party system?

3. Two Party System Most modern democracies have a multi-party system U.S. is in the minority with its two party system, one of only about 15 in the world today

4. Two Party System Even though a number of third parties have emerged in the course of U.S. history, none have endured

5. Two Party System With the exception of a short period in the early 1800s, two major political parties have always competed with one another for power in the system

6. Two Party System Three important reasons for the American two-party system: (1) Consensus of values (2) Historical influence (3) Winner-take-all system

7. Consensus of Values It is easy to complain about bickering between Democrats & Republicans What we forget is that Americans share a broad consensus, or agreement, of many basic political values

8. Consensus of Values Both parties believe in liberty, equality, and individualism Neither advocates that the Constitution be discarded Both accept the election process by conceding defeat to the winners

9. Consensus of Values In many countries with multi- party systems, the range of beliefs is greater, and disagreements run deeper

10. Historical Influence Nation began with two political parties (Federalists & the anti-Federalists)

11. Historical Influence During early American history politicians tended to take sides, starting with the debate over the constitution, and continuing with disagreements within George Washington’s cabinet

12. Historical Influence This tendency has persisted throughout American history

13. Winner-Take-All System Single most important reason for a two-party system is the winner-take-all or pluralist electoral system

14. Winner-Take-All System This system contrasts to those with proportional representation: Percentage of votes for a party’s candidates is directly applied as the percentage of representatives in the legislature

15. Winner-Take-All System Winner in American elections is the one who receives the largest number of votes in each voting district

16. Winner-Take-All System Winner does not need to have more than 50%, but only one vote more than her/his closest competitor

17. Winner-Take-All System This process encourages parties to become larger, embracing more & more voters

18. Winner-Take-All System Third parties have almost no hope of getting candidates into office Their points of view tend to fall under the umbrella of one or both of the big parties