Monday, March 2, 2020

5.12 Why Do We Have a Two-Party System?

Announcements:


Jefferson City Hearing: You can watch a live feed of the committee hearing tonight. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm or whenever they adjourn session (whichever is later). Click on the Upcoming Hearings link on the top right-hand side and there should be a link for the live feed. 

Email Update: We want to update the schools on our progress. 


READING: 218-242 in Edwards

Today's Essential Question: Why do we have a two-party system?

Learning Standards:
PMI-5.D: Explain how structural barriers impact third-party and independent candidate success.
PMI-5.D.1: In comparison to proportional systems, winner-take-all voting districts serve as a structural barrier to third-party and independent candidate success.


PMI-5.D.2: The incorporation of third-party agendas into platforms of major political parties serves as a barrier to third-party and independent candidate success.



Why are third parties not successful?

The United States has historically had a two-party system while almost every other country has a multi-party system. Why is that? While the US does have other smaller parties that nominate candidates, they rarely achieve any sort of electoral success. Today we are going to try and answer the question: Why a Two-Party System?

Task #1 Readings: Take some time and read the following articles. As you read, jot down in your notes reasons why a two-party system remains in place. Be prepared to answer this question on Tuesday. You should have a minimum of five reasons why we have a two-party system.

Why Only Two Parties?

Washington Post: Why Are There Only Two Parties in American Politics?

Why the Same Two-Parties Dominate our Two-Party System

SparkNotes: Two Party System (3 pages)

OpenStax 9.2 Two Party System


Use the video below and the review videos to also help answer the question.








Are there advantages to a two-party system over a multi-party system?



Videos for Review:

















Reasons for a Two-Party System:
1. The Electoral College (winner take all)
2. Single Member Districts (Congress) vs. Proportional Representation
3. Presidential Debate Rules
4. Ballot Access Laws
5. Public Finance Laws
6. History/Tradition of Two-Party System
7. "Big Tent" parties (ideological consensus)

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