American Party System Overview

The US political system is primarily dominated by two major parties: Republican and Democratic.

The single-member plurality electoral system doesn't favor smaller parties and their candidates.

Third-party presidential candidates usually receive a small portion of the popular vote. They rarely hold significant congressional seats.

The issue of slavery divided the Republican and Democratic parties, with the North leaning Republican and the South Democratic.

The New Deal united urban workers and minorities under Democrats, making them a strong political force (New Deal coalition).

Laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern U.S.

Supreme Court decision that upheld racial segregation, "separate but equal"

Denying someone the right to vote

Desegregation strategy in schools, transporting students outside their neighbourhoods

Difference in wealth between racial groups

Federal housing policy denying services or loans based on race

Suburban housing developments that excluded African Americans

Policies to increase representation of minorities in education/employment

Supreme Court case allowing race as a factor in college admissions, not the sole factor

Theory suggesting family breakdown contributes to racial inequality

Theory explaining racial inequality by economic shifts and job displacement

Compensation for past injustices, often related to slavery

Difference in income compared to other population

Continued racial segregation in housing despite legal changes

Racial segregation in church congregations (example)

Critics argue that the two-party system limits representation, suppresses alternative voices, and causes issues with money, campaigning, and the electoral college.

Nader argued that corporate influence dominates US governance, essentially creating a one-corporate-party system, making politicians prioritize corporate over public interests.

Recent election data suggests voters are becoming more divided, not necessarily a shift to the right.

The process of choosing candidates is decentralized, with parties often selecting at a local or state level.

Any registered voter can participate in either party's primary election.

US campaigns rely on private contributions, with limits on donations. European models use more public funding.

Political Action Committees (PACs) are key funding sources for campaigns, including groups like pharmaceutical and gun-rights organizations.

This Supreme Court case upheld spending limits on 'hard money' (direct contributions) but protected political expenditures as free speech.

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act restricted 'soft money' donations and imposed a blackout rule for election ads.

This case allowed unlimited corporate and union spending, leading to the rise of Super PACs.

Media, including traditional and online outlets, strongly influences voters, sometimes through biased reporting that aligns with certain political leanings.

Political ads heavily influence perception but often oversimplify issues, relying on emotional appeals rather than substantive debates.

Successful campaigns depend on organizing and motivating voters, through strategies like voter registration drives.