The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart Two-Party System: Third Parties Need Not Apply
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Jun 27, 2024 
Join Sam Rosenfeld, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Colgate University and co-author of "The Hollow Parties," as he dives into the challenges of the U.S. two-party system. Discover why third parties struggle to gain traction and how gerrymandering and restrictive electoral rules contribute to polarization. The conversation reflects on the founding fathers' vision versus today's political landscape, prompting listeners to consider whether a multi-party system could better represent diverse voter interests for a healthier democracy.
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Third Party Dilemma
- Third parties face a dilemma in the US two-party system.
- Their presence often punishes voters by splitting votes, leading to unfavorable outcomes.
Duverger's Law
- Plurality voting in single-member districts favors two-party systems.
- Voters strategically avoid "spoiling" elections by supporting third parties, leading to a two-party dominance.
Founding Fathers' Partisanship
- The Founding Fathers warned against partisanship but formed parties themselves.
- Washington's farewell address cautioned against factions, yet he participated in partisan politics.
