Historical Basis
The republic began with the two parties: Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Tradition
Once established the two-party system continues because of tradition and a reluctance to support minor parties
Electoral System
Single-member districts discourage voters from "wasting" votes on minor parties candidates. Election laws are designed to discourage minor parties
Ideological Consensus
Because Americans agree on fundamental issues, the conditions that could produce several strong rival parties do not exist
Minor Party
One of the less widely supported parties in the US
Two-Party System
Political system with which only two parties have a reasonable chance of winning office
Single-Member District
Election district in which only 1 candidate is elected to each office on the ballot
Plurality
The largest number of votes cast for an office (contrasted w/ majority, which is more than half of all votes cast)
Pluralistic Society
A society that consists of several distinct cultures and groups
Consensus
A general agreements on fundamental matters among various groups
Multiparty
A system with several major parties and many smaller parties
One-party system
Under dictatorship, a system in which only one party is allowed; or in another sense, an another sense, an area in which one party dominates regional politics.
