- Joined
- Dec 24, 2007
- Messages
- 3,392
- Reaction score
- 971
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Independent
I think we need a strong third, fourth, fifth, and sixth party in the U.S. Unfortunately, nothing is ever going to change until we change our voting system. Plurality voting systems naturally tend to a two-party system (Duverger's Law). Change our system to something like Instant Run-off Voting and the chances for other parties to get elected increase dramatically.
But, then again, there's another problem with our government system. Only one politician can be elected to one congressional district, despite both Democrats, Republicans, and any other third-party members living there. So if a Green congressman gets elected he'll also have to represent the Republicans and Democrats who are constituents in his district. This is the problem with having single-member districts instead of a national proportional system.
Then again, I rather like districts since it allows local areas to have a say in national politics. It keeps national politics from being controlled by urban areas.
However, I think instituting IRV would be a great step forward in the right direction.
I like this idea. It unfortunately makes too much sense to ever be implemented.