Question

29.
Why does the United States continue to have a two-party system? Select ALL that apply.

Select A
It is the most comprehensive representation possible of the interests of voters.

Select B
It has existed since the earliest days of the American Republic, so it is tradition.

Select C
The system is a provision of the Constitution and upheld by Marbury v Madison .

Select D
It prevents political polarization and promotes coalition-building.

Select E
The "winner-take-all" method of awarding seats in Congress and the presidency discourages third paries.

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Answer 1

Correct answers: B and E.

- B (True): The two-party system has deep historical roots in the U.S., and that tradition helps perpetuate it.
- E (True): Winner-take-all/single-member district rules for congressional seats and the presidential electoral system strongly discourage viable third parties.

Why the others are wrong:
- A is false: A two-party system does not provide the most comprehensive representation of diverse voter interests.
- C is false: The Constitution does not mandate a two-party system, and Marbury v. Madison has nothing to do with party structure.
- D is false: In practice the U.S. two-party system often increases polarization and does not reliably promote broad coalition-building the way multi-party systems with proportional representation do.