1. Two Party System

2. Why a 2 Party System?

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Left Wing vs Right Wing

11. 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

12. 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)