Two-party system

Definition

The two-party system is the political system in the United States where two major parties—currently the Democrats and Republicans—dominate elections and governance. Third parties exist but rarely win major offices due to winner-take-all elections, ballot access laws, and the Electoral College structure.

Examples

  • The Democratic and Republican parties have dominated American politics since the 1860s
  • Ross Perot's 1992 third-party candidacy won 19% of the popular vote but zero electoral votes
  • Winner-take-all elections discourage third parties because finishing second wins nothing
Key Fact

Duverger's Law suggests that winner-take-all (plurality) voting systems tend to produce two-party systems.

Related Terms

Political parties Electoral process Voting and elections Liberal vs conservative

Study This Concept

Practice two-party system with free review games in these units:

U.S. Government Unit 7: Political Parties and Elections