In the United States, a two-party system is used. It is a structure in which only two powerful political parties have a good chance of winning the general election. We have Democrats and Republicans in the United States. For there to be a winner in the two-party system polls, one of the political parties must earn more than 50% of the total votes cast (Bean 23).
The multi-party structure and the need for change
The multi-party structure, on the other hand, promotes the inclusion of publicly recognized political parties that are legally organized and registered. If the two-party system is compared with other party systems, like multi-party, then the US government has to change the nation's two-party system. Now the system has to be changed since people are tired of the same system that is not competent enough to tackle the issues that the country is currently facing.
First reason for change: Freedom of choice
First, the United States is a democratic country and in democracy, the people have the freedom of choice which should not be limited. Having just two political parties seem to limit the people's freedom of choice. The United States has a population of about 322,762,018. In that case, it would be wise to have a multi-party system such that people have the chance to evaluate and elect the best (Bean 47). The system marginalizes the population. Having a two party system is like asking a 'yes' or 'no' question. In such a question, you are tied to choose only one. Multi-party will increase the number of members of Congress hence increasing the representatives that the people will have selected. Therefore, changing the system will be of good help to the United States' citizens.
Second reason for change: Reduction of political machinations
The second reason why the change is important is that partisan in the two party system engage in political machinations. This machination mostly leads to manipulation of the rules of Congress and laws in order to deny the opposing party a chance of office. In the case of multi-party, the chances of machinations are very minimal. The members of the congress will have different opinions on any subject of discussion, but arriving at the solution will always be easy and in a more reasonable way.
Third reason for change: Increased perspectives and better decision-making
Over the past years, the government has been having only two opinions on any matter. Two political parties are not enough, especially for a government of a developed country like the United States. It is time now more than two opinions are given to any subject that is discussed in Congress. This will make it easier for the parties coming to a consensus after a debate and agreeing to a better choice that will help in tackling climate change, terrorism and the debt ceiling. More political parties will bring new ideas that help in changing the government system or even bring development (Bean 53).
Fourth reason for change: Avoiding polarization and promoting flexibility
Another thing that has been developing since the past is the polarization. The two parties tend to only focus on their agendas and forget about the main issues that affect the citizen. The members of a particular political party are also limited to the policy and guidelines of the party, and they are not allowed to work independently or out of the guidelines. There is a criticism of the politician who has a different opinion than those of the party. In that case, the two-party system doesn't allow flexibility or thought independence. This will make it difficult for any beneficial progress to be made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States government has to change its national two-party system to the multi-party system. This is the only way the government will help in tackling the issues it has that never end, such as terrorism and the debt ceiling. If this is employed, then the human rights of voting will not be limited on any ground. Ideas will come in from different people of different political parties, and this will also create competition that will be healthy for the development of the country.
Work Cited
Bean, J. J. Race and Liberty in America: The Essential Reader. UP of Kentucky, Independent Institute, 2009.
