A Republic of Parties?
Debating the Two-Party System
Published on 27. August 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
128 pages
978-0-8476-8609-4 (ISBN)
Description
Americans have debated the efficacy of our two-party political system since the founding of the nation. Generations of political scientists have asked: Is the two- party system an antiquated arrangement, so entrenched in our political structure that any third party is destined to be peripheral, or is it an essential component of the political and constitutional order articulated by our founders? This book forces readers to decide for themselves. Theodore J. Lowi and Joseph Romance debate the promises and pitfalls of the two-party system and provide readers with the strongest available arguments for and against the two-party system of government. Lowi argues that the inability of the existing parties to provide adequate representation for our diverse nation is rapidly causing the obsolescence of the two party system. Romance counters that the two-party system is vital for unifying a divided country and instructs Americans about the compromises necessary to maintain a democratic government. With an introduction by esteemed political scientist Gerald Pomper that outlines the history, evolution, and current status of this perennial debate, and a collection of primary documents that covers the entire history of the controversy, this book will be indispensable for classes on American government, political parties, elections, and political science.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight
195 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8476-8609-4 (9780847686094)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Theodore J. Lowi is professor of political science at Cornell University.
Joseph Romance is professor of political science at Drew University.
Gerald Pomper is professor of political science at Rutgers University.
Joseph Romance is professor of political science at Drew University.
Gerald Pomper is professor of political science at Rutgers University.
Content
Part 1 Introduction: The Place of American Political Parties
Chapter 2 Part I: Debating the Two-Party System
Chapter 3 Toward a Responsible Three-Party System: Prospects and Obstacles
Chapter 4 Gridlock and Reform at the Close of the Twentieth Century
Part 5 Part II: Readings
Chapter 6 Editor's Introduction
Chapter 7 James Madison, The Federalist Papers, No. 10
Chapter 8 James Madison, The Federalist Papers, No. 51
Chapter 9 George Washington, Farewell Address
Chapter 10 Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address
Chapter 11 Woodrow Wilson, Inaugural Address
Chapter 12 Elrod v. Burns
Chapter 13 Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois
Chapter 14 Timmons v. Twin Cities Area New Party
Chapter 15 Index
Chapter 2 Part I: Debating the Two-Party System
Chapter 3 Toward a Responsible Three-Party System: Prospects and Obstacles
Chapter 4 Gridlock and Reform at the Close of the Twentieth Century
Part 5 Part II: Readings
Chapter 6 Editor's Introduction
Chapter 7 James Madison, The Federalist Papers, No. 10
Chapter 8 James Madison, The Federalist Papers, No. 51
Chapter 9 George Washington, Farewell Address
Chapter 10 Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address
Chapter 11 Woodrow Wilson, Inaugural Address
Chapter 12 Elrod v. Burns
Chapter 13 Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois
Chapter 14 Timmons v. Twin Cities Area New Party
Chapter 15 Index