The Flaws of America’s Two-Party System

This paper argues that the American two-party system weakens democratic governance by limiting political diversity, encouraging polarization, and contributing to legislative gridlock. It draws on historical examples, electoral case studies such as the 1992presidential election, and public opinion data from sources including the Pew Research Center and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The research examines how the binary structure of U.S. politics marginalizes third-party candidates and promotes party loyalty over effective policymaking. The paper also addresses the broader institutional consequences, such as voter apathy and declining public trust, and suggests electoral reforms like ranked choice voting and open primaries as steps toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.