nd the candidate polling the largest number of votes in that district is declared the winner. Such an electoral system compels a party to strive for a majority of the votes in that area. To appeal for the support of a majority of voters, a party must present a program sympathetic to the desires of most of the voting population. With two major parties of approximate equal strength competing for control of government, it is possible for government control to alternate between the parties. The two party system is said to promote government stability because no single party can win a majority and govern. Also, more than two parties would not give a majority in Congress and compromising would be hard.The beauty of our two party system is that neither major party is strong enough to win with just its firm partisanship. The winner must capture a majority of the vote. The American two party system is also unique from other two party systems because of the Constitutional separation of powers. A president cannot serve in Congress while in office. Therefore, it is possible for the presidency and the Congress to be controlled by different parties. The disadvantage of the American system is the deadlock that can develop between the President and Congress over policy when each is under the control of a different party.In spite of political domination of Republicans and Democrats, there have been several other party movements. Third parties have never succeeded in winning the presidency or control of Congress because they have difficulties building a strong following and getting elected. The most obvious is the strong hold of the other two parties. As a rule, people resist change. Also, the two larger parties have become a melting pot of ideas and trends. They have done this to reinforce their strength and build support. However, third parties do have a place and purpose in the American political system. They serve as a tool for awaren...
