Two party system?

Question

Is the two party system in the US tearing apart our way of life?

What steps can we take to abolish the 2-party system?

When will the US break free from the two party system, or will we?

Sure, you can say that we have a multi-party system, but in reality, there are only two parties in this country that really have any hopes of gaining power. Sure, the american people could, theoretically, vote out all members of those two parties, but the money and power invovled is enough to realistically believe that this will never happen.

Answer 1

We fell into the pit George Washington warned us about in 1796!

Part of his farewell address!

"I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the
State, with particular reference to the founding of them on
geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more
comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner
against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature,
having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind.
It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or
less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the
popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly
their worst enemy.
. . .

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble
the public administration. It agitates the community with
illfounded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity
of one part against another; foments occasionally riot and
insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and
corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government
itself through the channels of party passion. Thus the policy
and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and
will of another.

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful
checks upon the administration of government, and serve to keep
alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is
probably true; and in governments of a monarchial cast
patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon
the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in
governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged.
From their natural tendency it is certain there will always be
enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there
being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force
of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be
quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting
into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a
free country should inspire caution in those intrusted with
its administration to confine themselves within their
respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise
of the powers of one department to encroach upon another.
The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers
of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever
the form of government, a real despotism."

Answer 2

The two party system is definitely hindering progress in the US. If it wasn't for a third party here in Canada (the NDP formerly CCF), we would not have universal healthcare today. Having more than two parties requires coalitions to be created and thus there is more discussions, cooperation and compromise. Look at most European countries and they often have representatives from 5 or more different parties in power. It results in more viewpoints being heard, more constructive debate and overall things get done more efficiently. Also, it appears to me, as a Canadian, that in the US the president has far too much power, but I don't know the details of American system... all I know is that it doesn't appear to work very well.

Answer 3

We don't have a two-party system in the US.

We have a multi-party system where two of the parties have ganged up on all the others and decided to control the field by shutting all the other parties out of the game.

The only way to break the deadlock is to vote out BOTH of the two dominant parties. Refuse to elect any candidate who runs under either party -- and create a true coalitional party system where no one (or two) party can gain control over everything.

Answer 4

We have a multi-party system, but presently only two prominent parties. Look at our history and you will see that over time, the parties have changed names and some have even ceased to exist while others lay dormant but still in use.

If I'm not mistaken, there have been some Libertarians elected into offices in some states in recent history.

No steps need to be taken- as ideas and people change, so too will the parties.

Answer 5

there are so few differences in the actions of the 2 major parties that I question whether we have 2 parties. Neither adheres to the basics of what they represented in the early days of forming. The traditional spend, spend ,spend of the Dems has been outdone by "w" big time. Republican congress did nothing..Democratic congress doing the same. Each is concerned in consolidating power to their own. Neither is concerned about Constitutional government

Answer 6

I don't think it is possible for the U.S. to be rid of it's two parties. I think it would take all the independents seriously joining together into one party and then there would be THREE.

Answer 7

Indeed, this two party system can't be regarded as true and free democracy, can it...?

Answer 8

how many parties do u want?