Why do third parties have little chance of succeeding in American politics? Are we likely to see a meaningful third party in Congress?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. There are several reasons for the continued dominance of two parties in American politics:
- Conflicts that divide the American public are historically dual in nature. The first major political division among Americans was dual, or two-sided, between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over adopting the Constitution. It is said that this original two-sided political battle established the two-party tradition.
- American voters are moderate and American politics gravitates toward the center. As such, fringe parties have a hard time winning broad support.
- Electoral rules such as the use of single-member districts and the winner-take-all system effectively prevent third parties from succeeding.
- The Democratic and Republican parties continue to dominate national politics because they are flexible enough to adopt some of the programs proposed by third parties.
2. We are unlikely to see a meaningful third party in Congress. Most likely, that would require an overhaul of the electoral system and an introduction of proportional representation. Such changes are difficult to imagine as they would require the changing of the Constitution.