The document discusses the two-party system in the United States. It provides historical context for how the two-party system developed with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists being the first two parties. Factors like single-member districts, ideological consensus, and tradition have served to maintain the two-party system. The document also briefly discusses multiparty and one-party systems in other countries. It then covers different periods of single-party dominance in American history and the current era of more divided government. Finally, it outlines different types of minor parties and their role in influencing and criticizing the major parties.

4. One-Party Systems Types of One-Party Systems Example: Republican North and Democratic South until the 1950s. Modified One-Party Systems where one party regularly wins most elections One Party Systems where only one party is allowed. Example: Dictatorships such as Stalinist Russia

11. Minor Parties in the United States Splinter Party Example: “Bull Moose” Progressive Party Economic Protest Parties Example: The Greenback Party Ideological Parties Example: Libtertarian Party Single-issue Parties Example: Free Soil Party Types of Minor Parties

12. Minor Parties in the United States