Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

[Marimba]

I have a question...why only two groups can be at the presidential election?
I know that Republicans and Democrats are the tradicional partys, but i dont know.......is that a true democracy? with only two?
explain it to me
thanx

[Jenks]

yes.

there are plenty of other parties out there, but they're all fucking weirdos and tree huggers.

[toasty]

Re:: Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

a lot of it is probably attributable to inertia -- we've had two for so long, it is tough for a third party to jump into the fray and have any success.

More than two parties would make it tough to get the 270 electoral college votes needed for the presidency, too -- it might be more of a viable option if we went by popular vote, like we do for every other election in the country. Until then, third parties just get to play a spolier rule.

Fucking Nader...

[superdave]

Re:: Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

Like someone said, there are plenty of other political parties in the U.S.

However and I may be off somewhat on this, it takes a certain number of signatures to get the candidate of that political party on the ballot in that state.

Perot's party in the 90s(Reform party) actually did get quite a bit of support but died out.

The problem with 3rd parties are that they take away votes from the traditional 2 parties and cause more problems. For example, Nader's followers like Democrats more, but help Bush because they don't vote for Kerry. Just like Perot took away votes to get Clinton elected in 92.

[neur0t0xin64]

Re:: Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

Just to mention a few more political parties "Green Party" "Reform Party" "Socialist" "Communist" "Libertarian"... there's a party out there for every dumbass with a vote!

[PROG]

Re: Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

i dont see why other political parties can join in...if Bush can ANYONE CAN! lol

[mixu]

Re: Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

Duverger's law

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duverger%27s_Law

[anonin]

Re: Republicans and Democrats? why just this two?

america has lost the plot, the government is corporate ran with very little political philosophy these days.