Almost since the beginning, there have been two major parties in American politics, each a rival to the other. A similar thing has happened in England, prompting Benjamin Disraeli to coin the phrase "two party system." Disraeli also defined the rationale for such an arrangement, declaring that "the purpose of the opposition is to oppose." By this he meant that of the two major parties, at any given moment, one will be in power, and the other will be constantly challenging it. This sets up an adversarial system. It assures competition. The party that appeals most to the voters is rewarded with power, the party that appeals less is punished with second class status. This is as it should be.

But competition is only a good thing so long as it still exists...

[link|http://marlowe-essays.blogspot.com/2005/02/two-party-system-in-america-and-why-it.html|Continued at blogger.com]

Freenet: /SSK@jbf~W~x49RjZfyJwplqwurpNmg0PAgM/marlowe/#20050220