Two-Party System Pros and Cons: How It Shapes Governance and Policy
Your guide to the main pros and cons of the United States' two-party system. Learn how the two-party system affects voters, elections, and governance.
Join the GoodParty.org Community on Circle
JoinCategories
Independent Cause
Explore why independent civic leaders are more important than ever, plus what it means to be part of the independent movement.
Featured Article
Independent Cause
10 Pros and Cons of Being an Independent Voter
October 22, 2024
Independent Cause
7 Challenges and Opportunities for Independent Presidential Candidates
October 1, 2024
Independent Cause
Why Does the United States Have a Two-Party System?
September 26, 2024
Sign up for the
GoodParty.org newsletter.
Get the latest content, updates, and volunteer opportunities from GoodParty.org delivered to your inbox.
Independent Cause
The Independents Candidates Pushing for Serious Climate Action
September 23, 2024
Independent Cause
Moderate vs. Independent: 7 Key Differences
September 20, 2024
Independent Cause
What Is an Independent Candidate in Today’s Politics?
September 16, 2024
Independent Cause
Toward a More Democratic Presidential Election: Examining the Electoral College
August 8, 2024
Independent Cause
Why Veterans Make Compelling Independent Candidates
July 19, 2024
Independent Cause
9 Independent State Legislators Running for Reelection in 2024
July 2, 2024
Independent Cause
20 Independent Mayors Making a Difference in 2024
June 28, 2024
Independent Cause
What It Means to Be a No Party Preference Voter
June 25, 2024
Independent Cause
How Big Money Corrupts Local Elections
June 6, 2024
Independent Cause
No Party Affiliation vs. Independent
May 31, 2024
Independent Cause
Environmentalism and Independent Politics
May 30, 2024
Independent Cause
7 States Where Independents Can Make the Biggest Impact in 2024
May 22, 2024
Independent Cause
The Case for Participatory Democracy
May 9, 2024
Independent Cause
Who Is the Donor Class?
May 3, 2024
Independent Cause
Why Bottom-Up Politics Is the Key to Political Reform
April 23, 2024
Independent Cause
14 Years After Citizens United: Where Are We Now?
April 5, 2024
Independent Cause
Why Generation Z Needs Independent Candidates
March 29, 2024
Independent Cause
Democracy vs. Plutocracy: Which Is the United States?
March 26, 2024
Independent Cause
The Movement for Campaign Finance Reform
March 18, 2024
Independent Cause
The Pros and Cons of Non-Partisan Ballots for Independents
March 8, 2024
Independent Cause
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s Place in the Independent Movement
March 1, 2024
Independent Cause
How Dark Money Impacts Our Democracy
February 15, 2024
Independent Cause
How California’s Voter Guide Calls for Federal Action on Independent Naming Conventions
February 14, 2024
Independent Cause
New Jersey: A Hidden Home of Voter Suppression
February 12, 2024
Independent Cause
Why Do People Vote Against Their Own Interests?
February 12, 2024
Independent Cause
10 Reasons to Vote Independent in 2024
February 2, 2024
Independent Cause
10 Common Myths About Independent Voters
January 30, 2024
Independent Cause
What It Really Means to Be a Public Servant
January 25, 2024
Independent Cause
Year in Review: Celebrating GoodParty.org's Wins in 2023
December 20, 2023
Independent Cause
What is the “Spoiler Effect,” Really?
December 13, 2023
Independent Cause
Why We Need the Freedom to Vote Act
December 12, 2023
Independent Cause
Why Can't the U.S. Have a Multi-Party System?
December 11, 2023
Independent Cause
5 Ways Independent Candidates Contribute to Bipartisanship
December 1, 2023
Independent Cause
5 Examples of Third Parties in the United States
November 29, 2023
Independent Cause
What Is the Democracy Reform Movement?
November 28, 2023
Independent Cause
7 Signs That It's Time for an Independent Revolution
November 16, 2023
Independent Cause
Independent vs. Nonpartisan: Is There a Difference?
November 1, 2023
Independent Cause
Navigating the Labyrinth: Independents and Gerrymandering
October 24, 2023
Independent Cause
10 Strategies for Navigating the Incumbent Advantage
October 19, 2023
Independent Cause
5 Independent Candidates Who Ran for Mayor and Won
October 18, 2023
Independent Cause
GoodParty.org Academy: What to Expect
October 17, 2023
Independent Cause
GoodParty.org Team Spotlight: Rob Booth, Head of Field and Mobilization
October 16, 2023
Independent Cause
GoodParty.org Team Spotlight: Political Director Jared Alper
October 16, 2023
Independent Cause
Can Independent Voters Vote in Primaries?
October 10, 2023
Independent Cause
7 Ways Independents Impact Elections — Even if They Don't Win
October 9, 2023
Independent Cause
Coalition Building 101: Effective Strategies for Independent Candidates
October 2, 2023
Independent Cause
10 Ways Independents Can Break Through Political Tribalism
September 29, 2023
Independent Cause
10 Signs of Media Bias Against Independent Candidates (and How to Overcome Them)
September 27, 2023
Independent Cause
The Implications of Citizens United for Independent Candidates
September 22, 2023
Independent Cause
How Understanding the Two-Party System Informs Strategies for Independent Political Campaigns
September 21, 2023
Independent Cause
GoodParty.org Academy Grad Spotlight: Carlos Rousselin
September 8, 2023
Independent Cause
GoodParty.org Academy Grad Spotlight: Breanna Stott
September 8, 2023
Independent Cause
Volunteer Spotlight: Kieryn McCann, Remote Volunteer and Local Candidate
August 24, 2023
Independent Cause
Uncontested Elections Rot Democracy From The Inside Out
August 4, 2023
Independent Cause
How Do Independent Candidates Get on the Ballot?
August 1, 2023
Independent Cause
The Destructive Threat “Oppenheimer” Warns Us About Isn’t Nuclear Bombs – It’s Partisan Paranoia
July 31, 2023
Independent Cause
5 Of The Biggest Grifters Within The Two-Party System
July 19, 2023
Independent Cause
The Rise Of The Entitlement Of The Thin-Skinned Modern Politician
July 17, 2023
Independent Cause
Fundraising And The Race To The Bottom: How The Two-Party System Brings Out The Worst In Everyone
July 17, 2023
Independent Cause
Disadvantages Of The Two-Party System
July 15, 2023
Independent Cause
Superdelegates Are Super Anti-Democratic: How Political Parties Try To Rig Their Primary Elections
June 27, 2023
Independent Cause
The Electoral College Is Even More Anti-Democratic Than You Probably Thought
June 26, 2023
Independent Cause
Guest Post: FAIL: Two-Party System & Democrats Scapegoat LGBTQ+
June 22, 2023
Independent Cause
Guest Post: School Boards: The Front Line of the Independent Movement
June 22, 2023
Independent Cause
Guest Post: Why Independent Means More Than Just Moderate or Centrist
June 22, 2023
Independent Cause
Breaking the Two-Party Duopoly: Empowering Political Reform and Expanding Voter Choice
June 19, 2023
Independent Cause
Why Lifelong Term Limits Are Good For Corruption And Bad For Everything Else
June 10, 2023
Independent Cause
Why Vote Third Party?
June 4, 2023
Independent Cause
Overcoming Apathy: Why Voting for Independent Candidates Can Make a Difference
May 17, 2023
Independent Cause
Understanding Independent Voters: Their Impact on American Politics
April 26, 2023
Independent Cause
What Are Independent Voters? How They're Transforming America
April 25, 2023
Independent Cause
How and Why You Should Register as an Independent
April 21, 2023
Independent Cause
How To Raise Funds As An Independent
April 11, 2023
Independent Cause
Why Voting for Independent Candidates Isn't a Wasted Vote
April 11, 2023
Independent Cause
What Are Independent Politicians or Political Independents?
March 31, 2023
Independent Cause
What are the policy views of young independents?
March 29, 2023
Independent Cause
How the Two-Party System Works in the U.S.
March 17, 2023
Independent Cause
GoodParty.org's 2023 Independent voter report - Part 1
February 22, 2023
Independent Cause
5 Reasons the Two-Party System is Bad for America
January 23, 2023
Independent Cause
10 Successful Independent Campaigns in History
January 17, 2023
Explore all Topics
Campaign FinanceCampaign MessagingCampaign TechnologyCivic EngagementDirect MailDiversity in PoliticsDoor-to-Door CanvassingElectoral ReformGoodParty.org SpotlightsGuest PostsHow to Run for OfficeIndependent CandidatesIndependent MovementIndependent VotersIndependents Empowered by GoodParty.orgPhone BankingPolitical CorruptionPolitical DysfunctionPolitical PartiesPolitical PolarizationPolitical VolunteeringPolitics 101Reasons to Run for OfficeSMS/MMS MessagingServing in OfficeSocial MediaVolunteer EngagementVoter DataVoter EducationVoter GuidesYard Signs
More Resources
Campaign Tools
Get access to campaign content generators, voter insights, one-on-one support, and more.
GoodParty.org Community
Connect with other independents, and explore opportunities for volunteering and guest posting.
Politics Glossary
Explore our collection of definitions to help you understand political terms and jargon.