18+ General Discussion Forum

The US is supposed to have a multiparty system. There are, in fact, multiple parties out there. However, between ballot access issues, money, etc. we're more or less a two party system. In other words, it isn't that way so much "by design" as by default. I guess it has been that way since some time after the Civil War (1860's or so). The democrats versus the republicans is a relatively modern thing, really. It's not anywhere near the "always has been, always will be" situation as it has been portrayed.

I don't know of any independents, greens (party started in the 80's) or libertarians (came about in the 70's) winning in a presidential election, but, I think some elected officials in other branches of government may belong to those parties....anyone else out there know???

Anyway, hope that helps. As a US citizen, I'd like to see more options on the table.