About Edward Martinovich, Esq. Expertise I can answer all questions relating to the set up of the US Political system, including federal, state and local governments. I can talk about how people get elected to office, and the characteristics of each political organization
Experience I graduated from State University of NY at Albany with a major in Political Science.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts, SUNY at Albany, Double Major in Criminal Justice, Political Science
Juris Doctor, CUNY School of Law
Expert: Edward Martinovich, Esq. Date: 11/2/2007 Subject: Two Party system
Question Hello Edward
I have an interest in politics and am a news junkie.
I have always wondered why the US has only two political parties.
Most other democracies have three or more.
I would have thought that the US is probably one of the most diverse and democratic countries on earth with lots of viewpoints so there should be more than two.
Is this the way 'the system' is set up? Since both parties are quite similar,it almost seems to be a one party state!
I have also noticed (I watch lots of CNN and Fox News!) that there are only two political viewpoints on anything:
Conservative vs Liberal
Pro(anything) vs Anti(anything)
Good guy(white hat)vs Bad guy(black hat)
Us(US foreing policy) vs. Them (the 'terrorists')
BTW,I have lived in the US,Britain,and now reside in Canada,so I feel I can see from the outside in.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Answer Bud:
Wow, i could probably write a book on this topic...
One thing i will say is that i wouldnt get caught up on what you see on tv, there are many other modes of debate and discourse in this country other than that on tv. Remember, Tv is in the business of generating viewers and keeping advert revenues up, what better way to do that then by having two divergent, opinionated people having it out with each other, its almost like sports these days, where one group of people cheer for the "liberals" and the other group for the conservatives...
you should check out some programs on NPR, National Public Radio, they are streamed on line and i think you can also get them through the "radio" feature on Itunes...also, PBS has an excellent series called "Frontline" which does a great job of presenting issues without a polictical bias.
