Pros And Cons Of Having Two Political Parties

Although political parties may cause contention between Americans, parties are critical to the success of our constitutional system because parties provide party labels and mobilizes the voters by increased the participation of the common people. Political parties create conflict by making it difficult for a common man’s voice to be heard. Because there are only two political parties, it makes it difficult for individuals with different points of view to be recognized. However, for the same reason, only having two political parties is beneficial because it allows politicians to mobilize the voters. Politicians go about this by promoting Americans to be involved in the political process. According to the online Webster’s Dictionary, “political participation is the active engagement by individuals and groups with the governmental processes that affect their lives” (). It is important for Americans to be involved in the political process because their participation directly affects our lives and the ways in which we are able to live them. Likewise, only having two political parties allows individuals to support and elect

Out of the 241 million Americans eligible to vote in the 2012 election, a mere 67% actually participated (Rose). By providing political labels, they create unity in values and makes politicians accountable for their legislations. Assuming that Republicans remain a conservative party and the Democrats remain a liberal party, Americans are more likely to support an individual party. Individualists have the opportunity to run as president, but have difficulty doing so because it is difficult to gain support. Political parties are not prescribed by the Constitution but are critical to success of America. E.E. Schattsneider agrees when he states, “Political parties created modern democracy and modern democracy is unthinkable save in terms of the parties”