CHAPTER Twelve
Political Parties

Take a Position

Read the "What's at Stake?" and "What's at Stake Revisited" sections of the chapter.

Take a position: Should the United States have a multiparty system?

As you develop your argument, answer the following questions:

  • Why does the United States have a two-party system?
  • Why do supporters of a multiparty system, including Ralph Nader, believe more than two parties are needed? Whose voice is missing? What issues do they feel are not being addressed?
  • If the United States had a multiparty system, what effect do you think it would have on voter turnout? On the capability of a person to cast an informed vote? On the ability of Congress to pass legislation?