The Two-Party System & Third Parties
Why the US maintains a winner-take-all system and the role of third parties as "spoilers" or "innovators."
Key Questions
- 1Does the winner-take-all system suppress voter turnout?
- 2How do major parties "absorb" the platforms of successful third parties?
- 3Would proportional representation make the US more or less stable?
Common Core State Standards
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
More in Citizen Participation & Political Ideology
Political Socialization & Ideology
Factors that shape political identity: family, education, media, and peer groups.
3 methodologies
Interest Groups & Lobbying
The methods used by organized groups to influence public policy and the "revolving door" between government and lobbying.
3 methodologies
Campaign Finance & Citizens United
The impact of money in politics, PACs, Super PACs, and the debate over corporate personhood.
3 methodologies
Voting Behavior & Demographics
Analyzing who votes, who doesn't, and the demographic trends that predict election outcomes.
3 methodologies
The Media as Gatekeeper & Watchdog
The evolution of media from the "Penny Press" to 24-hour news cycles and social media algorithms.
3 methodologies