Why does USA have only two federal political parties?

[juppiter]

Originally Posted by WestCobb

It seems like we discuss this every week. We have a lot more than just two parties, but only two parties ever dominate US politics at one time. This is because we have winner-take-all elections. Even if you get 49 percent of the vote for a seat in Congress, you get squat.

If we had a proportional representation electoral system, then we'd have strong libertarian and socialist parties because even 20 percent of the vote or so would translate into some political clout. But we don't, so those people who are libertarians tend to vote Republican so they don't "throw away" their vote, and those people who are socialist vote Democratic for the same reason.

Yes yes. I have repeated this for years. Because of our first-past-the-post system, we will always have a two party system. The two parties may change and have changed, but we will always have two dominant parties.

The republicans are fully in identity crisis mode and I see them either backing away from some of their extreme social positions in the next few years or being replaced as the center-right party.

The democrats had an identity crisis after the 88 loss and the Clinton/sanders primary battle may foretell of a coming identity crisis.

[moionfire]

Originally Posted by zortation

Why does the third most populous country in the world have only two parties? I think you need more. Four would be good. Thoughts?

1. Election laws make it difficult for third parties to form. You need to get signatures from all 50 states within a short period of time to get on the ballot. Ideally there would be one ballot for federal elections

2. Most other countries mandate that TV stations cover all parties-- no matter how extreme or minor. But in the US the green party which is relatively large, rarely gets coverage.

3. Money in politics means smaller parties can't raise money for TV ads. Once again ideally TV ads would be free to air like the UK, France, and most other countries.

4. first past the post makes it difficult for third parties to win. We need instant run off and the other various systems that exist.

[moionfire]

Originally Posted by jacqueg

Fewer members means less money for just about any organization.

But that's not why we have two big parties and a number of tiny ones. The Constitution determines that we have a "winner take all" system, and the realities of arithmetic leads inexorably to a two-party system.

Actually the constitution doesn't mandate a winner take all system/first past the post. Congress could implement an instant run off system and it would be legal.

[jacqueg]

Originally Posted by moionfire

Actually the constitution doesn't mandate a winner take all system/first past the post. Congress could implement an instant run off system and it would be legal.

Yes, an instant run-off system could help. I also very much like the idea that a person could run as the candidate for more than one party, which I believe is possible in New York. So, for instance, Cruz could run as the R party candidate and also as the candidate for the Christian Conservatives party. The idea is that this gives smaller parties a shot at national money during presidential races, which could help with the funding issues that beset small parties.

But the Electoral College is definitely winner-take-all. The second place finisher wins exactly nothing.

[hifijohn]

Originally Posted by DorianRo

They two parties are in cahoots with each other to run the country and all the people in it. They are essentially gangs thats all. There is no third of 4th voice in this nation and there never will be as long as the idiots of america continue to be sheep.

If people think Trump is going to "shake up the establishment" I have some news for you. He isn't. Billionaires can't be trusted. He will just keep his billionaire buddies in good standing.

The only people who can truly shake up the system are Sanders and Ventura. But people would rather vote for inept reality show people or continue the Clinton dynasty.

Trump is just another corrupt elitist

Americans get what they deserve really. They vote like buffoons. They continue to vote for the gangs then wonder why nothing changes

I agree 100% hes a billionaire who grew up in a billionaire family he cant relate to your typical millionaire let alone your typical working man.also you can get rich in america without having your hands in a lot of politicians pockets.