Why does the US have a two party political system?

Politics and beliefs of US citizens are not black and white, but the two party system is. The majority of citizens are not represented by either the Democrats or the Republicans. Where does that leave them? Unrepresented, and apathetic towards participation in the system...the two party system forces people to lump all their beliefs together and pick the party that is closest to what they believe....that sucks. Do some research into Japan's system, and the number of parties that have active representation in their government.

Because you need a political system where there is stark disagreement. I agree with nothing of the democratic party, and currently I am shocked by the Republican party's action the last 8 years, but I thin if you have to much of a one sided party in the white house, you get fu**ed

Until more people choose to leave the two major parties & vote for the other parties (Green, Libertarian, etc), then there will always be two parties. Within the two parties, however, there are definitely wide spectrums of beliefs. There are radical, liberal, and centrist democrats, and radical, conservative and centrist republicans. There are religious or non-religious people in both parties. In some countries, these varied peoples break off to form their own parties, we just have opted to band together in this country.

I used to think that was bad - but lately, I've found myself wondering if maybe there is some benefit to the far sides of the 2-parties to have to find common ground with each other in order to get their parties to the top.

That's just the thing.

There are more than just two parties. The main stream media and the government only focuses on two parties because those two parties are usually the ones who do what they are told and are easily pulled to one side or the other.

Notice how there are no debates involving all the people who are actually running for president?

Because when you walk into the ballet box, you see the republican nominee, the democratic nominee, and the independents. Oh wait, what do those guys plan to do? I never heard them or seen them on tv, I am going to stick with the R candidate or the D candidate because I've SEEN them on TV.

Open your mind, think bout it. It will make sense in time.

it has a two political party cuz of the seperatin of the democratic republicans(led by Thomas Jefferson) vs. the federalists(led by John Adams) when the federalists broke up so the democratic republicans did too.

there is actually about 10 different political parties but no one ever knows or talks about them cuz the 2 more popular onces are democratic & republican & they pretty much run things...Im sorry i cannot give you any more info but i hope i helped a bit at least

there are 2 general ideals for how this country should be run...the idea of less government or more government.

democrats feel there should be more government involved. repblicans don't like as much government to be involved with every day lives.

of course there are many other factors that seperate it as well:

generally speaking, republicans are wealthier and are more for capitalistic ideals. and don't feel there should be as much equality.

there are many differences..do some research.

I agree with RED you need to do your own homework. That's the problem with America nobody can think for themselves.

Why do boxing matches have two opponents?

Do. Your. Own. Home. Work.