Two Party System

Why a 2 Party System?

1. Historical Basis

•Ratification of the Constitution created the first two parties (Federalists and Anti-Federalists)

•Constitution made no provisions for political parties

•Framers had never known the parties would play the role that they do in Government

•Framers would never know how the two parties would play the middle of the road positions

2. Tradition Itself• Most Americans accept

the idea of a 2 party system

• People feel closer to one of the two parties

• Minor Parties face restrictions

• American has a two party system because America has a two party system (Its what the people have accepted)

3. Electoral System• Single-member districts• Only one candidate is

elected to each office on the ballot

• Winner takes all in the election▫ Plurality

• Discourage minor parties• Election Rules• Rep/Dem act bipartisan

▫ They shape laws▫ Hard for minority parties

to get on the ballot

3. Electoral System• 4 types of minor parties:

• 1. Protest Parties- Tea Party

• 2. Ideological Parties- Green Party

• 3. Single Issue Parties- Steve Forbes and Flat Income Tax

• 4. Splinter Parties- Bull Moose Progressive Party

4. American Ideology• Same ideas, beliefs and

basic principles• Consensus on

fundamental matters.• American society does not

permit more than two parties

• Democratic Party supports social welfare, business regulation, minority status

• Republican Party support private market, govt. be less involved in social welfare

One Party System• One party rules• There is no other party

▫ Soviet Union▫ China

• Some parts of the U.S. tend to vote to one particular party▫ Youngstown/Warren area

democratic party▫ Cincinnati Republican

Party

Multiparty Systems• Seen in European

democracies• Based on an interest

▫ Religious Beliefs▫ Economic Class▫ Political Ideology

• Give the voter more of a choice

• Leads to instability in Govt.▫ Leads to a Coalition

• Examples of Bad Multiparty▫ Italy▫ Kenya

• Americans stayed away from this system

Left Wing vs Right Wing

Membership Patterns

•Voluntary basis•Made Up of a variety of people of variety

of segments•Some segments tend to lean one

particular way•Important to many individuals to be

identified with a party•Events, Economic Issues, Age, Education

and Work Environment influence party choice

Homework

•You are campaigning for one of the two major parties. Create a short political advertisement to appeal to large numbers of voters and to distinguish your party from the other major party. (10 points)

•Partner (Skit or TV Ad)•Individual (Radio or Newspaper Ad)