Which party system characterized U.S. politics for most of its history?

The two-party system has been a defining feature of U.S. politics for most of the nation's history. This system is characterized by the predominance of two major political parties, which in the current context are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These two parties historically emerged following the early years of the republic, gaining strength and establishing a significant influence over the political landscape.

One reason the two-party system has persisted is the winner-takes-all electoral system, especially in single-member districts where only one candidate wins. This structure tends to discourage the viability of multiple smaller parties, making it difficult for them to gain traction. Additionally, the need for broad coalitions to win elections further consolidates support around the two major parties, as voters may gravitate towards the parties that have a realistic chance of gaining power.

In contrast, while multi-party or coalition systems exist in other democratic countries, they have not been the norm in the U.S. Consequently, the two-party system has shaped American political ideologies, campaign strategies, and voter alignments over the decades, making it a crucial aspect of the political dynamic in the United States.