1. TWO MAJOR PARTIES The Two-Party System

2. Factors related to 2-party system History – two parties arose during the ratification phase of the Constitution Tradition – that’s the way it’s always been

3. Electoral system nearly all U.S. elections are single-member district elections; voters choose only one candidate for each office Winner is whoever receives a plurality: the largest number of votes Election laws discourages minor parties

4. Consensus Although the US in a pluralistic society, one that consists of distinct cultures and groups, there exist a broad consensus Consensus – a general agreement among various groups on fundamental matters Helps eliminate the need for many parties

5. Multiparty systems Found in many parts of the world Has several major and minor parties To gain power, need to form a coalition of parties

6. One-party system Dictatorship s – only one party is allowed.