Image of someone voting in front of a US flag.
Debate and Law

The Two-party System in America

June 18, 2021

In the US, there are two parties in the political system: Democrats and Republicans. According to the Duverger’s Law, any system that is characterized by single-member districts and plurality election rules will naturally tend to have two, and only two, political parties. […]

An image of a person in front of two arrows with Republicans one way and Democrats the other way.
Debate and Law

What Are Political Parties? And, Why Do They Exist?

June 17, 2021

Political parties build policy-driven coalitions that help them achieve their electoral goals. But, it’s helpful to think of parties as being motivated more by winning elections than by winning policy outcomes. […]

Sign showing Democrats one way and Republicans the other way.
Debate and Law

The United States and the Six Party Systems

June 17, 2021

Looking at the history of America’s political parties, there are six periods or ‘party systems’ beginning with 1789. The Democratic and Republican coalitions in the sixth party system have undergone major overhauls over the years. […]

An image of a gavel on a court desk.
Debate and Law

How the Supreme Court Justices Are Appointed

June 10, 2021

The Supreme Court plays a significant role in policymaking through its decisions and precedents. The public, organized special interests, and political parties have a variety of means to try to affect the Court’s rulings and decisions. […]

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