Dismantling The Two Party System

Dismantling the Two Party System The two party political system has long been a tradition amongst the American people, however, it is not the most efficient nor is an effective way to display and gauge american feelings about topics. The two party system fails to represent the majority of americans, because the parties are represented by extremist. These extremists take their ideology so far that it becomes disagreeable, and distasteful to the broad population. As well as the parties representing extreme ideals, the system consolidates all of the power within just two parties, basically wiping out the ability to have independents, or third party candidates to ever succeed in an election. Without these differing candidates ever being in office,

They do not live for a particular party, and for that matter many do not agree with some stances that the party they associate with take. This is not necessarily a bad thing given the fact most Americans have careers and families to focus on and provide for, however, the small percentage of people that are active advocates tend to represent the extreme sides of the party. A clear example of these extremists is in 2009 following the inauguration of Barack Obama. There was a large movement of extreme Republicans that formed the Tea Party Movement that “In many respects, the Tea Party was an admirable example of democracy in action and gave many citizens their first experience with political engagement. But as a whole, the Tea Party became the extremist tail that wagged the Republican Party dog. Participants in the movement tended toward ideological rigidity and absolutist demands, bringing to the fore far-right ideas that had long been resisted by principled conservatives.” (Kabaservice) Although everyone deserves the ability to support whatever cause they wish, members of this Tea Party Movement, and other extremists groups and voters are hurting both parties. The amount of extremists may be small in comparison to the rest of the party, but they are successful enough to keep their place. This is a terrible thing for the parties, because they discourage young

Democrats and Republicans are now arch enemies, and for no reason at all. There was a time in politics in which members of both parties were friends, and were known to go to lunch together during their breaks, but now, there is a hatred for the other party. Michael Coblenz explains this hatred “the bitter fight between Democrats and Republicans has largely ground government to a halt. Partisans on both sides are so angry they can barely speak with the other, much less work together. The most extreme are convinced that members of the other party are treasonous and purposefully harming the nation. This isn’t just a perception. A recent Pew Research survey found that 36 percent of Republicans thought that liberal policies are “a threat to the nation’s well-being.” 27 percent of Democrats feel the same way about conservatives.” (Coblenz) Not only is there an immense hatred for the other party, many honestly feel as if the other party is harming america. There is no better example of this that after the election of Donald Trump. The country dissolved into chaos, nation wide there was riots, more than there have ever been after an election, and some were even labeling him analogous to Hitler. It is a given that Trump has made outrageous comments, and has done inexplicable things, but