The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Two-Party System: Third Parties Need Not Apply

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.

01:01:12

Episode guests

Sam Rosenfeld

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The two-party system in the US faces challenges due to hyper-partisan gerrymandering and the Senate filibuster.

US political parties have strayed from the founders' vision, leading to a dominant two-party system.

Revitalizing party structures is essential for a more effective democracy and to combat 'hollow parties'.

Deep dives

Two-Party System Challenges

The challenges of the two-party system in the US are discussed, highlighting issues like hyper-partisan gerrymandering, Senate filibuster, and the ill fit between ideologically sorted parties within the constitutional system.

Intro

5min

The Paradox of Partisanship

17min

Exploring the Roots of Partisanship in American Democracy

4min

The Struggles of Third Parties in a Two-Party System

13min

Examining the Undemocratic Nature of the Senate

3min

Reevaluating American Democracy

15min

Reflection on Education and Upcoming Discussions

3min

The first presidential debate is here, and voters do not seem thrilled with the two, very different candidates. How does a consumerist country built on choice produce so few options? This week, helping us to understand our two party system and why third parties don’t work within it, we’re joined by Max Stearns, Law Professor at University of Maryland Carey School of Law, and the author of “Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy,” as well as Sam Rosenfeld, Associate Professor of Political Science at Colgate University, and the co-author, with Daniel Schlozman, of “The Hollow Parties: The Many Pasts and Disordered Present of American Party Politics.” Together, they help us to understand the flaws in how our current system functions and offer some possible remedies going forward.

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Host/Executive Producer – Jon Stewart

Executive Producer – James Dixon

Executive Producer – Chris McShane

Executive Producer – Caity Gray

Lead Producer – Lauren Walker

Producer – Brittany Mehmedovic

Video Editor & Engineer – Rob Vitolo