Two Parties--Or More?: The American Party System

Although the Democrats and Republicans have dominated American politics for nearly 150 years, many Americans today have doubts about the two-party system. In 1992, nearly 30 percent of those polled felt that “the two-party system is seriously broken and the country needs a third party.” In fact, in three of the five most recent presidential elections, candidates from outside the two parties have attracted serious media and voter attention.Students of American government are thus faced with an enduring dilemma: Why two parties? Why has this system remained largely intact while around the world democracies support multiparty systems? Should our two-party system continue as we enter the new millennium? Two Parties—Or More? answers these questions by first placing the dilemma in the context of recent elections—at both the state and federal level—and by defining the types of minor parties and of the roles they play. The authors then provide a historical overview of minor parties—including such transient groups as the Know Nothings and the Greenbacks—and the roles they played in moving major parties on issue spectrums.As the discussion turns to the context in which all political parties must function, topics include the role of the party in an election, the impact of a direct primary system, the role of legislatures and courts, and questions regarding ballot access and campaign financing. By focusing on Perot's Reform party's efforts in 1992 and 1996, the text lays out the current dilemma regarding third parties and explores the extent and cause of the current dissatisfaction with the two major parties. Two Parties—Or More? concludes with predictions about the future of third-party politics in the states and the nation.The text is enhanced with a glossary, discussion questions, and an appendix of important third parties in presidential elections and recent officeholders who were neither Democrat nor Republican.In courses on American government or parties and elections, Two Parties—Or More? will entice students to debate one of the most pressing (and enduring) issues with respect to the American electoral system.