Describe the origin of the two party system, is it good for the nation?

Baloo55th

I don't think there is actually a two party system. There have been (and in cases like North Korea) still are one party systems, but once you get beyond that you can have as many as you want. OK, in the USA it seems like two party, because those two are the ones with the money. Last time an outsider got anywhere at all it was Ross Perot - and he had money. In the USA, I'm afraid, no money = no votes for you. In the UK, it's been Conservative and Labour for some time, but the Liberal Democrats have been coming up. But we do get independents - like the Friends of Kidderminster Hospital who have had councillors elected in Wyre Forest, and even an MP. It takes less money here. Is it good for the nation? What's the altenative? One party rule? Absolute monarchy? Or perhaps the sort of proportional representation they have in Italy where no-one governs most of the time. Jan 08 06, 2:29 PM

Baloo55th

Forgot to describe the origin! All goes back to baronial factions (like those that caused the Wars of the Roses. Then when lesser persons were admitted to parliament, they also formed factions. You may not agree with Fred, but he's better than Bert, so you get together with him. Then Wayne joins you 'cos he doesn't like Jack who's joined Bert. And that's not how it's described in the books, but is a more graphic way of understanding it. Eventually, it ceased to be just informal 'I'll sit with you but not with him' and became more organised. Then even more developed and formalised. And then possibly fossilised, but that's a matter of opinion. Jan 08 06, 2:36 PM