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For that matter, most countries are smaller than the US, both in size and population. There are only two countries with a larger population. China has one rulin
by dalke 11y ago
For that matter, most countries are smaller than the US, both in size and population. There are only two countries with a larger population. China has one ruling political party, and India has had prime ministers from many different parties.
For a full accounting, look back to the rise of the two party system during the Jacksonian era, or the current system of Democrats and Republicans (replacing the Whig party) started in the 1850s.
An explanation based on population size would have to be able to explain why it is that the current two party system in the US started when it was a much smaller country.
The US population in 1860 was 31,443,321. There are now 42 countries with a population larger than that.
- KON_Air 11y agoI am always mystified by how a country with such diverse geography and socioeconomics can be represented by just two parties.
- JBReefer 11y agoThe parties are more varied by state than you'd expect - for example, the GOP in New York State tends to be pro-transit, while the DNC in Wisconsin still loves to build huge highways through minority neighborhoods.
- tamana 11y agoIt is represented poorly. But it's not clear that combating parliamentary factions would do better. It's mystifying how such a diverse and populous country can be represented well at all. And the evidence is stacking up to show that it can't, in USA, Russia, China, and India.