Two Common Complaints About Political Parties in the United States

question 30

Essay

Two common complaints about political parties in the United States are that there are only two of them and that they are not very different from each other. Why are there only two major parties in the United States? Are the two major parties very different from each other? Do you think the United States is better or worse off with a two-party system? Explain your answers.

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Definitions:

Supreme Court

The highest federal court in the United States, holding ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving issues of federal law.

Fundamental Rights

A group of rights that have been recognized by the Supreme Court as requiring a high degree of protection from government encroachment. These rights are specifically identified in the Constitution, especially in the Bill of Rights, or have been found under due process.

Takings Clause

The Fifth Amendment states that “private property [shall not] be taken for public use, without just compensation.” This clause has been incorporated within the Fourteenth Amendment due process, so it also applies to the states.

Fifth Amendment

is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides several protections for people accused of crimes, including protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and ensures due process.