The Impact of Two Strong Political Parties on America’s...

The Impact of Two Strong Political Parties on America’s Politics The Constitution has nothing to say about political parties. Nowhere does it define political parties or explicitly specify that there should be two dominant parties. Nevertheless, America has had a strong two party system for last 150 years, a degree of party stability and endurance that can be found in no other nation (Landy and Milkis, 451). This system of two dominant parties has both its advantages and its drawbacks, the same as any system will. The two strong parties simplify and stabilize American politics from both the citizens’ and the politicians’ point of view and allow for government to be unified across the separation of powers built into the Constitution†¦show more content†¦The parties formed after the Constitution was adopted as the need to systematically search for and encourage popular support became apparent. The structure of a party allows a group of like-minded politicians to mold popular support in the favor of the candidate of their choic e where alone they could only accomplish the creation of multiple less organized and therefore less politically potent factions. The nature of the political system already in place gave no value to coming in second or third in elections at any level of government, leading to the natural growth of two strong parties who battle for supremacy at every election (July 22). The winner takes all, and the opposition spends their time getting ready to try again as they wait for their next chance. Once the two parties, Democrat and Republican, were firmly settled in to the system they affected legislation to give themselves automatic ballot access and state funding, making election that much harder for other parties and thereby ensuring that it remained a two party system (July 22). The two parties have continued their 150 year long tug-of-war battle for dominance and over time have become symbols of American politics. It is nearly impossible to hold a political discussion without bringing up either or both of the parties or some prominent member thereof in reference to where they stand on the issue being discussed. A majorShow MoreRelatedPolitical Figures Henry Clay And Andrew Jackson1232 Words   |  5 PagesFinal Paper One of the biggest rivalries in the United States Government that still impacts how the country operates today is between political figures Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson. Although Henry Clay never made it into presidency, he made many impactful decisions and events on behalf of our country. During the mid 1800’s, there was a rapid change in the economics, demographics, and social aspects of the growing United States deeply affecting the lives of citizens. 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