Benefits of the two-party system

1. It limits the amount of extreme ideas that enter our government.

When there is a multi-party system in place, then anyone with a view that is extremely conservative or liberal can become a representative in the government. This would include people who may hold racist thoughts, theocratic ideals and old-fashioned ideas on gender roles. The goal of two major parties is to select someone who best represents the platform of the whole party and not someone with radical ideals.

I would argue that there are certainly radical views by people on both sides of the aisle who we elect to represent us. With the two party system they are definitely suppressed a great amount but these people with these ideas still exist. Take a look at our local governments where the people of the state are more reflected by the people they elect.

2. It encourages the government to offer majority representation.

No third party candidate since 1900 has even come close to winning a presidential election in the United States, there are a handful of instances where some people made a strong run. Teddy Roosevelt ran for a second term in office as a third-party candidate and received over 27% of the vote. Ross Perot received over 18% of the vote in 1992. George Wallace won electoral votes in the 1968 election. The reason why it is so difficult for candidates to be successful in a third party is because the two-party system of governing encourages a majority to come together and make a decision. Third party candidates usually don’t have the same backing as the two main parties in the U.S.

This system works to be inclusive by allowing each major party to create a platform which represents the wants and needs of the people and they decide which is best for them. Anyone can join either organization in this system and then fight for the policies they wish to see on the forefront.

3. The two party system is easier for people to understand.

With only two parties that hold opposing views on major issues, falling into one category or the other is pretty easy. And because parties are based on having the same ideas, people find it easier to align with one of them. But what about those who fall smack dead in the middle between these parties what do they do?

When I’m looking for a candidate I look for things like new innovative ideas that I’ve never heard before. Instead of ideas that will make people argue because that does nothing but take our country down I want to find a candidate that will take our country forward.