by Patrick Henningsen

Created on: February 19, 2008   Last Updated: April 17, 2008

The current "Democrat vs Republican" two-party system was never officially imposed on the American people, nor are the American people bound to it by their Constitutional framework. This reminds me of an old saying, "In the end, Americans get the government they deserve."

Although unlikely, the American electorate are still free to vote or run under other political parties, but only a rare few have been both brave and principled enough to undertake such a challenge. The limitations of the two-party system are evident today in the lack of real alternatives in this 2008 Presidential race. Is there a chance for a successful third party run in the United States? And if there is, what would need to happen to pave the way for it? How about on a local level?

We have witnessed some very strong support for the Libertarian, Constitutionalist and Green Parties. The merits of these parties' policies are clearly outlined in their manifestos and resonate with a number of voters. But many active, educated and well-meaning Americans still maintain that such a move would be "ineffective" and that we must "be realistic" and "work within the two-party system if we expect to make a difference". On the whole, the electorate have simply chosen not to risk supporting any parties that fall outside Democrat and Republican lines. Why? Some say it's simply an American cultural characteristic: a fear of not being on the "winning side".

And how about the manifestos of the Democratic and Republican parties? Well, no one actually knows where they stand on anything right now. The currency of both parties' manifestos are found in their abilities to be as vague as possible on policy, avoid economics at all costs and to revise numerous 'talking points' on an hourly basis. No joy there.

The reality is that a successful third party run, ala Ross Perot, is almost impossible in the United States. There are three main reasons for this absence of a third, or even a forth party on US political landscape.

The first reason for the two-party system is cultural. Americans are now bound to it as a cultural institution, and like any cultural institution, its architecture is set and will naturally resist any change. For most Americans, it's simply easy and does not require any real thinking or innovation. The danger here is that the scope of the current two-party system will almost certainly become even more narrow over time.

The second reason is a practical one. After examination, you will quickly find that

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