The Two-Party American Political System
The American two-party political system was once admired for its moderation. It was better compared to the European parliamentary system that was a breeding ground for dogmatic ideological parties (Drutman, 2018). The democratic ‘winner take all’ order was rewarding and encouraged candidates and parties with national appeal. Today, however, the system is destroying Americans. The rivalry between Republicans and Democrats is too intense, leaving the American people helpless.
American faces many severe problems from terrorism to inequality, but it is the rivalry between Republicans and Democrats that gas clipped the government. Partisan on both camps can neither talk nor work with each other. They see other’s policies as treasonous and harmful for the country. A study showed that the country has become more partisan, and the Congress retrogressed in the last thirty years. Today’s two-party politics policies are run on the bases of demonizing the other side and manipulation of the rules of Congress (Coblenz, 2016).
However, their rivalry is just a part of the big problem. The most unfortunate thing is that this national rivalry has unbalanced the discussion on issues facing the nation. The mainstream media has been caught in between the chaos. Today the media is unable to deal with any other issue other than the democrats vs republican rivalry (Coblenz, 2016). Every issue, including ISIS, climate change, and country debt, is framed as a discussion between the liberal and the conservative. Every problem becomes subject to two antagonistic opinions. The rivalry has eroded the rationality needed in solving the American problem.
The birth of a two-party political system was by an Act of Congress with the passage of the Uniform Congressional District Act of 1967 (Coblenz, 2016). There is a need to relook and appeal this Act to allow for other parties’ entry into American politics. American people have a choice in every aspect of their life but politics. A political decision is divisive and false. America needs more political parties to help generate new ideas in the political discussion. Also, we will move away from the idea that all American issues are a death match between liberals and conservatives as well as help solve our national problem rationally.