Why have minor parties been so unsuccessful in U.S. politics? In what electoral systems are minor ...

(Ans. #1)

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.

(Ans. #2)

An ideal response will:
1. Define the responsible party system as one in which politicians are held accountable for adherence to party platform.
2. Explain that discipline is minimal and that elections are more candidate-centered than party-centered. Even when a party is in the majority, it cannot guarantee passage of the party program. Compromise is an integral feature of the U.S. political system, which often thwarts party unanimity.

(Ans. #3)

An ideal response will:
1. List the major functions of American political parties including the following: simplifying voting choices, organizing electoral competition, unifying the electorate, helping organize government by bridging the separation of powers and fostering cooperation among branches of government, translating public preferences into policy, and providing loyal opposition.
2. Recognize that party labels typically help voters make reliable assumptions about a candidate's stance on issues based on his or her political party affiliation.

Extremely helpful

Cool, thanks for the positive feedback