If they cant get anything done Why are

If they can’t get anything done… Why are there only two of them?

What will I learn today? I can explain why the U. S. practices a two -party system as opposed to a multi-party or single-party system. I can analyze the role of 3 rd parties in the American two-party system. I can design a 3 rd party that theoretically could compete with the Dem. and Rep. parties in 2016.

Question #1 Political parties serve which of the following functions in the United States? I. Informing the public about political issues. II. Mobilizing voters and getting them to the polls. III. Organizing diverse interests within society. IV. Establishing the rules governing financial contributions to political candidates. a. b. c. d. e. II only I and II only III and IV only I, II, and III only I, III, and IV only

Question #2 Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10? a. A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism. b. Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics. c. The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities. d. Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny. e. The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

Why a Two-Party System? The Historical Basis. The nation started out with two-parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Force of Tradition. America has a two-party systembecause it always had one. Minor parties/3 rd parties, lacking wide political support, have never made a successful showing, so people are reluctant to support them. The Electoral System. We expect the winner of the election to have a 51% or better majority. This can only be guaranteed in a race with two candidates. If there are three or more, the winner may be determined by a plurality. Ideological Consensus. Most Americans have a general agreement on fundamental matters. Conditions that would spark several strong rival parties do not exist in the United States. $$$$$$$$$$$$$ - Major Parties have more of it. Election Rules – winner take all, ballot access, public funding discourage 3 rd parties from participating.

Multiparty Systems • Definition & Examples • Advantages Why doesn’t the U. S. use this? • Disadvantages

Single Party Systems • Definition & Examples • Advantages Why doesn’t the U. S. use this? • Disadvantages

3 rd Parties: If they never win, why do they run?

3 rd Parties in the United States Types of 3 rd Parties Ideological Parties: Parties calling for systemic change to the American system of government. Single-issue Parties: Parties based on a single issue. Economic Protest Parties: Parties that develop out of bad economic times. Splinter Party: Parties that form when a split occurs in a major party. Example: Ross Perot’s Reform Party in 1992 and 1996 Example: Roosevelt’s “Bull Moose” Progressive Party in 1912 Examples: 1 2 3 Which category does each fit into?

3 rd Party Obstacles Funding – lack of donors, need 5% or more of vote in presidential election to qualify for public funds Single member districts and winner take all – no reward for coming in 2 nd. Getting media attention Getting name on ballot – state requirements/petitions “Can’t win” syndrome “Mistress” mentality among voters Democrats and Republicans work to block them.

Why Minor Parties Are Important Minor parties play several important roles: “Spoiler Role” Minor party candidates can pull decisive votes away from one of the major parties’ candidates, especially if the minor party candidate is from a splinter party. Critic Minor parties, especially single-issue parties, often take stands on and draw attention to controversial issues that the major parties would prefer to ignore. Innovator Often, minor parties will draw attention to important issues and propose innovative solutions to problems. If these proposals gain popular support, they are often integrated into the platforms of the two major parties.