The 2-Party Political System Explained

The Two Party System -- A two-party system is a type of system where only two political parties have a realistic chance of winning an election. Usually this means that all, or nearly all, elected offices are held only by the candidates of the two parties, with the controlling majority of positions going to the larger party. When candidates are elected from the districts, all votes that are not for the winner are discounted. This factor sometimes encourages a two party system because smaller parties often cannot win all the votes in a constituency because they have a smaller support base and sometimes more scattered support than the larger party. While the majority of voters in town see the two-party system as natural, it is in fact that ruling party that has the incentive to keep the rules as they are, the "status quo" if you will , so as to prevent losses on election day. There is no incentive for the controlling party to change the way they conduct business. While the two-party system may produce stable town government, it may not produce a stable healthy democracy, and the latter is what is what we desire. Proof of this is evident, and Coventry is a fine example.

The Dominant-Party System -- The dominant-party system is a system where one political party literally becomes the government. The opposition party is legally allowed to operate, but is criticized by the controlling party because they have been unable to take power away from those that control. Dominant-party systems have been criticized because corruption and insensitivity to public demands tend to arise for lack of an effective opposition. Dominant-party systems exist across Rhode Island, and our State legislature is a glaring example of this. Open debate is usually discouraged in a Dominant-Party System. Constructive debate is considered to be dirty politics especially as it pertains to reforms of the current systems. Such debates are usually blocked and dismissed as personal attacks even though they produce ideas that may be beneficial to the community as a whole. The Dominant-Party system is usually easily corrupted by campaign contributions from special interest. It is to the great advantage of special interest that the controlling party accepts these donations without hesitation, while declaring these funds will not influence the vote. These funds are much needed as a campaign resource, and are a major factor in insuring a win on election day. But at what cost? It is painfully clear in Coventry that a two party system, especially one where power often changes hands back and forth, would be better for the community as a whole. Transparency, open debate and public comment are crucial elements to the running and survival of a healthy government. We all need to demand open and honest government, and for our elected officials to conduct the business of the town in front of the Taxpayers as the system was designed.