The voting population
Our two-party system tends to draw the voting population toward either the Democratic or Republican party. However, many people refer to themselves as politically Independent when polled.
Take a look at the most recent Gallup poll on Party Affiliation. What keeps Independents from saying that they align with either the Democrats or the Republicans? Or do they really align with one side? Explain your response.
Is the two-party system working? Why or why not?
Sample Answer
According to the most recent Gallup poll on party affiliation, 49% of Americans identify as independents, 38% identify as Democrats, and 23% identify as Republicans. This is the highest percentage of independents since Gallup began tracking party affiliation in 1937.
There are a few reasons why people might identify as independents. Some people may feel that neither the Democratic nor Republican party represents their views accurately. Others may be dissatisfied with the way that the two major parties have been operating. Still others may simply not want to be associated with either party.
It is difficult to say for sure whether independents really align with one side or the other. Some independents may lean towards one party or the other, but they may not want to commit to either party. Others may truly be independent, and they may not agree with either party on all issues.