Why have minor parties been so unsuccessful in U.S. politics? In what electoral systems are minor parties more likely to be successful?
Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Indicate that minor parties are at a disadvantage in the United States because U.S. elections take place in winner-take-all systems within single-member-districts. Duverger's Law suggests that these factors favor the two-party system.
2. Note that proportional representation would allow minor parties to have some representation because legislative seats would be awarded based on a proportion of the total votes. Thus, a party finishing third or fourth would still receive some legislative seats.
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