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Two Party System in Democracy

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Two Party System in Democracy
Does a two-party system help or harm democracy?

A two-party system is a form of party system where two major political parties dominate voting in nearly all elections. As a result, all, or nearly all, elected offices end up being held by candidates chosen by one of the two major parties. Under a two-party system, one of the two parties typically holds a majority in the legislature and is usually referred to as the majority party while the other is the minority party. The United States of America is considered a two-party system. The chances for third party candidates winning election to any office are remote, although it's possible for groups within the larger parties, or in opposition to one or both of them, to have an influence on the two major parties. Having a smaller party candidate can influence the opinions on voters as well as electors because it allows for a change of mind with the various opinions and propositions candidates may bring about in their running for office. According to Martin P. Wattenburg, The Boston Globe, September 21, 2003, “ With a number of viable parties to choose from rather than only two, people tend to feel that their party truly embodies their specific interest, and hence they are more likely to vote.” Because of this people will vote because each individual has his or her own opinion on the way America should be governed. When having to choose from two parties the ideas that someone may have may not exactly be pin pointed and the individual will less likely be obliged to vote because he or she feels their point has not been brought into action. Having variable parties more people can their views brought about. However in a final decision for each party must be reached and will eventually lead to the choosing of two particular parties of what we have today. When two major parties emerge it has a strong influence and allows voters to elect most of the candidates, but a multitude of lesser parties exist with varying

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