How can a two-party system represent a population so diverse?

Question

Summarizing specific issues throughout a pluralistic society into two political platforms seems a fallacy.

Forcing generalizations, thereby ignoring select issues, is anti-democratic.

Answer 1

A two party system can't really represent a population as diverse and huge as the US. There are other parties, but most people are creatures of habit and do not want to stop doing what they've always done, picking Dem or GOP at every election. The major parties focus on important political issues because they want to gain seats in congress, but they don't necessarily focus on issues that really matter in the lives of Americans, because those might not get as many people to the voting booths come november.

I hope that people will seize on any curiosity caused by this question and check out some third parties. Even if you never vote for a third party member, it's good to get another perspective on the issues that face the US today.

Answer 2

A 2 party system seems to work when the parties are broad enough to cover the interests of most of the people. You may not agree with all the party's positions, but you'll probably find one party better represents you than the other. And once your party is in power, you can work within the system to change the things you don't like.

If we had several small parties, all with more or less equal numbers of members, it's unlikely that we'd have any one winner. There would either be a run-off election with just 2-3 contenders, or coalitions where a group of parties agrees to back one candidate. In either case, you're back to having in effect about 2 parties. An example: if the liberal parties can't combine to support one candidate, but the conservative groups can, the conservatives are likely to win because the liberals will be too fractured to field a successful candidate.

Answer 3

It really can't, but the Republicans and Democrats both have written the election laws in such a way that it's nearly impossible for a third party to rise up and compete on even terms with them.

Answer 4

It is called the United States

Answer 5

It can't. And that is one of the biggest problems with our political system today. Many voices that should be heard are not being heard because the system favors almost exclusively the two major parties.

Answer 6

Actually we have many political parties including communist, libertarian, green,ect
You are free to vote for anybody you like,get out there and campaign for what you beleive in. Unlike some countries and people we won't shoot you for being different.
I won't guarantee you sucess , but your welcome to try.

Answer 7

The constitution actually works, if the American people would demand that it be followed.