The advantages and disadvantages of the United States' two-party system are the focus of a short PBS video. After listening to a series of political scientists, viewers are asked whether they think the United States should change its political system to support multiple political parties.

Concepts

political parties, bicameral representation, presidential elections, elections

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups investigate elections where third party candidates changed the results of elections
• Have other groups research countries that have multiple parties to determine how they decide who wins

Classroom Considerations

• Part of the "America From Scratch" BPS series

Pros

• The worksheet includes links where class members can research the platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.3 SL.11-12.3