Have we messed up our two-party political system?

As most of us know, the US hasn’t always been a two-party system. It was only after the nation became divided over slavery that the two main political parties we know formed. But is this really the most effective way to organize our political system?

Having two political parties is supposed to promote greater stability in government because it is easier for a single party to have more control. It also makes it easier for the voters because there are only two main parties they can choose from. It is also said that it also moderates the two opposing sides because they have to appeal to the middle to win elections. 

That being said, it also tends to ignore alternative views and doesn’t always promote inter-party compromise. We saw an example of the latter when we watched the documentary about how gridlock was negatively affected our infrastructure. Even though both parties want to improve the infrastructure, neither side wants to negotiate with each other because of how polarized the political groups are becoming.

Despite the belief that two-party political systems would promote centrism, there has been a shift towards the parties becoming increasingly more extreme. As we have seen with our current president, it makes the politicians and candidates feel the need to be just as extreme in order to have the best chance at winning. It is almost as if the parties are sacrificing the middle ground in order to satisfy their own interests rather than unite as many Americans as possible.