1. Chapter 5.2
The Two-Party System

2. Reasons for the Two-Party System
History
Alexander Hamilton (Federalists) vs. Thomas Jefferson (Anti-Federalists)
Tradition
There has always been one
The electoral system
A wasted vote
American ideological consensus
A general agreement on ideas

3. Multiparty Systems Does it make sense?
Giving voters a real alternative
More representative of the people
Problems with multiparty systems:
Instability of government (no majority control)
Frequent party control and shifts
Italy: One government every nine months since World War II
Argentina: 696 political parties!

4. Multiparty Systems (Cont’d)
Advantages
Provides broader representation of the people.
More responsive to the will of the people.
Give voters more choices at the polls.
Disadvantages
Cause parties to form coalitions, which can dissolve easily.
Frequent party control and shifts.
Failure of coalitions can cause instability in government.

5. One-Party Systems A “No-Party” System
The popular choice of dictators and communist regimes

6. One-Party Systems (Cont’d)
Types of One-Party Systems
One Party Systems where only one party is allowed.
Unofficial One-Party Systems where one party regularly wins most elections
Example: Dictatorships such as Stalinist Russia & North Korea
Example: Republican North (New England) and Democratic South (Deep South) until the 1950s. 6

7. Party Membership Patterns
Factors that can influence party membership:
Family (2 out of 3)
Occupation
Education
Age
Economic Status
Race / Ethnicity
Religion
Geography 7

8. Assessment (http://m.socrative.com)
1. Which is NOT a reason for the two party system?
(a) History
(b) Tradition
(c) Constitutional Requirement
(d) The Electoral System
2. Which is NOT a factor that can influence party membership?
(a) Peer Group
(b) Age
(c) Religion
(d) Geography 8