Duverger's Law states that electoral systems with single-member districts and plurality voting (first-past-the-post) tend to favor the development of two-party systems. This is because voters are less likely to waste their votes on smaller parties that have little chance of winning, leading to strategic voting for one of the top two contenders. The psychological and mechanical effects of the electoral system reinforce this tendency, making it difficult for third parties to gain traction. Understanding Duverger's Law helps explain why the United States, with its single-member districts, has historically maintained a dominant two-party system.
The two-party system in the U.S. is characterized by the dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties. While third parties exist, they rarely achieve significant electoral success. Factors contributing to this include campaign finance laws, media coverage, and the winner-take-all electoral structure. The stability and predictability offered by a two-party system are often seen as advantages, but the lack of diverse representation and potential for political polarization are common criticisms.
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Single-Member District | A. The idea that voters will avoid 'wasting' a vote on a candidate with little chance of winning. |
| 2. Plurality Voting | B. An electoral system where only one representative is elected from each district. |
| 3. Two-Party System | C. An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't have a majority. |
| 4. Strategic Voting | D. A political system dominated by two major parties. |
| 5. Duverger's Law | E. The principle that single-member district plurality systems lead to two-party systems. |
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: two-party, plurality, single-member, electoral, Duverger's Law.
According to __________, __________ systems with __________ districts tend to favor a __________ system. This is because of the way the __________ system is set up.
Explain how campaign finance laws in the United States might contribute to the persistence of the two-party system.
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