The two-party system has destroyed democracy

Why is there no third party in American politics? Lou explains how Republicans and Democrats seized power and designed a duopoly that prevents political innovation. He takes a look at some of the electoral reforms that might pave the way for new ideas – like ranked-choice voting and multi-member districts.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Voter Study Group on Spoiler Alert

Washington’s Farewell Address

Postell on The Rise and Fall of Political Parties in America

Duverger’s Law

Jennifer Lawrence on Electoral Reforms

Justin Amash leaving the Republican Party

CREDITS
Writer: Louis Foglia
Editor: Page Ellerson
Researcher: Hannah Miller
Supervising Producer: Allison Brown

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[LouisFoglia]

As a couple of commenters have noted, not all parliamentary systems have proportional representation. I should have said, "This is opposed to a proportional representation system." My mistake.

[rajanlad]

George Carlin was right, we have lot of choices for dumb things, but virtually nothing when it comes to important stuff like elections and rights.

[bandrija]

Here in europe third parties are called parties

[eruno_]

As European the idea of only two parties existing in parliament seems strange.

[cameronformes]

we need a petition to get this played in every single school at least once a year

[terrysperman]

The two party system is divisive regardless of who runs! It keeps us in a perpetual state of turmoil.

[HugoLaStrange]

living in Czech republic where political parties are always emerging and disappearing, it's weird to see that a country can have only two major parties

[Mamjam]

Be Independent… once you belong to a Political Party you are the problem

[karthik]

Yes. I was always confused why there is only 2 party in a democracy. Thanks for the video.

[Chrisparkinson]

Not all parliamentary systems have proportional representation. Canada’s federal elections still use a FPTP voting system.

[RobReinhart]

The problem is that people don’t stand up against this 2 party system. Therefore, this 2 party duopoly system keeps thriving.

[yeetleslaw]

Capitalist ideals only leads to monopoly. Like you said, capitalism is baked in our blood. Our government reflects that.

[JohnFromLINY]

We are so trapped in this system. We need real change and nobody is here to help us!

[lochnessamonster]

Maybe more than two parties would work in a country where more than just 30% vote. We already have minority rule because of a two party system. I don’t want 5% of the population making policies for everyone, it’s already bad enough.

[TomKellyXY]

Australia has literally all of those things. As a New Zealander I’m reluctant to admit their system is fairer but you can’t argue with CPGrey.

[potatoheadpokemario]

Two party system are so unbased that the only thing worse is a one party system

[citizenx]

Brilliant work young man. The lemming pool needs to dry up in our country. People like you help advance this end.

[Florida]

I recently read an article by the Atlantic that's correct about the fact that a 2 party system isn't working in favor of democracy. It stated that the far right has been manifesting in the Republican party for the past 20 years and Trump made it even worse. The article said that the far right of the GOP must be marginalized and the only way to successfully do that is by forming at least a 3rd political party. It stated that the purpose of a 3rd political party would be primarily for moderate centrist right traditional conservatives in order to give them a place they would feel comfortable calling home. Otherwise the far right faction of the current Republican party will continue to gain more influence and power and eventually will lead to the destruction of American democracy. As another Atlantic article pointed out the left and the right are radicalizing each other. By adding a 3rd and possibly a 4th party both the far right and far left would soon disappear. That's cause America would no longer have 2 extremist political parties constantly butting heads. We would end up having another party for moderate centrist Democrats and also another party for moderate centrist right traditional conservatives. Congressional districts across the country would be much more evenly represented. We would no longer have Ilhan Omar's and Alexandria Cortez's nor would we have Margerie Taylor Green's and Paul Gozar's.

[co]

great video. We do desperately need to break the duopoly.

[Oncopoda]

Lou, for someone who discusses politics as frequently as you do, you manage to steer away from controversial statements altogether. It's impressive almost.