AboutMichael Troy Expertise I can answer just about any question about U.S. Political history, Constitutional law, the legislative process, elections, etc. I specialize in Presidential and Congresitional historical trivia, but can answer more substantive questions too.
Experience Former Staff member for a Congressman and Senator. I also worked on about 10 Congressional and Presidential campaigns (only one that won). For a short time, I worked in the legal department of the Federal Election Commission. I have a B.A. in Political Science.
Organizations Former LBJ Fellow (paid fellowship for Congressional Staff).
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honorary Society).
Publications Washington Post
Washington Times
Education/Credentials J.D. University of Michigan
B.A. George Washington University (Poli. Sci. major).
Expert: Michael Troy Date: 5/22/2008 Subject: Government
Question Does the Constitution specify that there must be 2 political parties?
Answer Hi Dee,
The Constitution does not say anything about political parties. In fact, the first two presidents Washington and Adams, strongly objected to the development of parties.
There are today more than two parties. Democrats and Republicans are certainly the two major parties. But there is a Senator who is a member of the Socialist Party. There are some elected officials from the Libertarian Party, and lots of other local parties as well. Presidents regularly run from the Green Party or Reform Party as well.
However, the US because of the way it elects representatives makes two major parties the most natural structure. But there is nothing in the Constitution itself that says anything about this.
