Mack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all.
References
Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament/Decline-of-the-House-of-Lords
The prime minister is a member of the legislature:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Prime minister.” Updated: September 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/prime-minister
The history of the Republican societies that became the Democratic-Republican party:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Democratic-Republican Party.” Updated: September 13, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Democratic-Republican-Party
A political scientist discussing whether it does indeed lend itself to two parties:
Difford, Dylan. “Duvager’s Law: More guidelines than actual rules?” March 9, 2022. Electoral Reform Society. https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/duvagers-law-more-guidelines-than-actual-rules/
Independent members of senate:
Congress.gov. “Senator Angus S. King Jr.” https://www.congress.gov/member/angus-king/K000383
Congress.gov. “Senator Bernard Sanders.” https://www.congress.gov/member/bernard-sanders/S000033
Congress.gov. “Senator Krysten Sinema.” https://www.congress.gov/member/kyrsten-sinema/S001191
People were discussing what the Tea Party actually was back in the day as well:
Connolly, Katie. “What is the Tea Party?” September 16, 2010. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11317202
What constitutes an actual party:
Federal Election Commission. “Qualifying as a political party committee.” https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-political-party/qualifying-as-a-political-party-committee/
Despite Anne’s opinion, the political parties are technically nonprofits:
IRS. “Tax Information for Political Organizations.” Updated September 9, 2024. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/political-organizations
How to get on the ballot in Texas:
Ballotpedia.org. “Ballot access requirements for presidential candidates in Texas.” https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_access_requirements_for_presidential_candidates_in_Texas
All kinds of parties, or individuals, running for president you might see on the ballot in November:
Ballotpedia.org. “List of registered 2024 presidential candidates.” https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2024#List_of_registered_2024_presidential_candidates
No, you can’t list any party you want when you run for president in Texas. You must be a member of a recognized political party or run as an independent or write-in candidate:
Texas Secretary of State. “Running for President in Texas (in 2024).”
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