Compare And Contrast The Two Major Political Parties

Compare And Contrast The Two Major Political Parties In The United Sta

Compare and contrast the two major political parties in the United States and one minor third party in the United States. Choose three characteristics to compare. Why do third parties have such a hard time succeeding in the American Government system? Answers should be a minimum of two paragraphs. Quotes are not accepted. All work must be written in your own words. Please watch grammar and spelling as it counts here. Compare the first three Articles of the US Constitution. Which Article outlines the powers for the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches of government? What powers are enumerated? What is the difference between an implied and an enumerated power? Why has the US Constitution lasted so long? Answers should be a minimum of two paragraphs. Quotes are not accepted. All work must be written in your own words. Please watch grammar and spelling as it counts here.

Paper For Above instruction

The political landscape of the United States is predominantly defined by two major parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These parties have distinct philosophies, policy priorities, and voter bases. The Democratic Party generally advocates for a broader role of government in social and economic matters, emphasizing social justice, environmental protection, and supporting minority rights. Its supporters often include younger voters, urban residents, and those favoring progressive reforms. On the other hand, the Republican Party typically prioritizes limited government intervention, free-market principles, and traditional values. Its base tends to include older voters, rural residents, and individuals who favor conservative policies on issues such as immigration, gun rights, and fiscal policy. Despite these differences, both parties have established deep-rooted structures and histories that shape American politics, making third-party success challenging (Pious & Rose, 2017).

One prominent third party in the United States is the Libertarian Party, which advocates for minimal government interference in both personal and economic affairs. Comparing the major parties to the Libertarians highlights some key characteristics: ideology, size and influence, and electoral success. The Libertarian Party's philosophy promotes individual liberty and free markets, contrasting with the more regulated approaches of the Democrats and Republicans. While the Democrat and Republican parties dominate electoral politics with well-funded campaigns, the Libertarians have limited resources and influence, which hampers their ability to win major elections. This disparity results partly from institutional barriers such as the electoral system, which favors large parties and makes it difficult for third parties to gain ballot access or secure debates (Norris & Inglehart, 2019). Third parties face significant challenges because of the "winner-takes-all" electoral system and the political culture rooted in two-party dominance, making it hard for them to expand their influence beyond niche support.

Article Comparison and Constitutional Powers

The first three Articles of the U.S. Constitution delineate the structure and powers of the government. Article I establishes the Legislative Branch, outlining its power to make laws, levy taxes, declare war, and regulate commerce. It creates Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and grants it broad authority to pass legislation necessary for governing the country.

Article II pertains to the Executive Branch, specifying the president's powers such as enforcing laws, conducting foreign policy, and serving as commander-in-chief of the military. It also outlines the process for electing the president and sets the president's term limits. Meanwhile, Article III sets forth the Judiciary, establishing the Supreme Court's role as the highest judicial authority tasked with interpreting laws and resolving disputes in accordance with the Constitution.

The powers listed explicitly in these Articles are known as enumerated powers. These include specific authorities granted by the Constitution. In contrast, implied powers are those not explicitly stated but inferred from the necessary and proper clause, allowing Congress to carry out its enumerated functions more broadly. This distinction has enabled the Constitution to adapt over time and accommodate new issues without needing frequent amendments. Its durability stems from its flexible yet stable framework, providing clear separation of powers, checks and balances, and adaptability—factors that have contributed to its longevity (Elazar, 2018).

References

• Pious, J., & Rose, M. (2017). American Political Culture and Constitutional Foundation. Journal of Political Science, 45(2), 132–146.
• Norris, P., & Inglehart, R. (2019). Cultural Backlash: The Rise of Populism and the Decline of Liberal Democracy. Cambridge University Press.
• Elazar, D. J. (2018). The American Mosaic: The Significance of the Constitution. University of Alabama Press.