Why Two Political Parties

Single-member system: one candidate is elected to each office on the ballot.

much of American election law is written to discourage non-major party candidates.

Normally, American people share many of the same ideals, basic principles and patterns of belief.

Party membership is purely voluntary and people identify themselves with a party for many reasons

Family: Influence by Parents

Major Events

Economic Status

Level of Education

System where several major and lesser parties exist, compete and win public offices.

Parties are based on a particular interests (economic class, religious belies, or political ideology.

Coalition-Temporary alliance of several groups who come together to form a working majority and to control a government.

May lead to instability in government: One party unable to win support of a majority of voters-Hence, there is a need for coalitions.

seen nearly in all dictatorships but can happen in States and local area.