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Question #1Question #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. II only

b. I and II only

c. III and IV only

d. I, II, and III only

e. I, III, and IV only

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Question #2Question #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.

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If they can’t get anything done…If they can’t get anything done…

Why are there only two of them?Why are there only two of them?

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Why a Two-Party System?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 system because it always has had one. Minor parties/3rd 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.

• $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

• Election Rules – winner take all, ballot access, public funding

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Multiparty SystemsMultiparty Systems

Chapter 5, Section 2Chapter 5, Section 233 4411 55

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.

• Failure of coalitions can cause instability in government.

• Can be slow and inefficient.

Definition: A system in which three or more parties exist and have a

legitimate chance at winning elections.

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One-Party SystemsOne-Party Systems

Chapter 5, Section 2Chapter 5, Section 233 4411 55

One-Party Systems

Disadvantage: Ignores the will of the people

Advantage: Very stable, efficient

government.

One Party Systems where only one party is

allowed.

Example:

Dictatorships -Sadaam’s Bathist Iraq, Castro’s

Communist Cuba