The 2016 presidential election is in full force: all the campaign commercials, debates and rallies are going to be here before we know it. This is the start of the fight between Trump and Clinton. I think everyone could agree that there has been so much hostility and anger between the candidates. Both parties accuse each other of having ideas that could destroy the country and are more worried about gaining supporters. Most people don't even know who is running for the other parties. It almost feels like a war between us. For a while, I have questioned if our two party system has been effective in our country. This election has showed me how narrowing our choices to only two parties has done more harm than good.
According to USHistory.org, the two party system began in the election of 1796, which was the United States' first time electing officials at the local and national level. Many leaders, such as Madison, believed that political parties would be temporary partnerships for controversial elections. Each party chose their name based on what they valued most. For example, the Federalists were known for their support of the Constitution and the "federal administration.(USHistory)" Washington believed that creating these parties would damage the established republic, but ended up having merchants and creditors endorse the party with the leadership of John Adams. The other party was the Democrat-Republicans whose stake holders were German and Scottish farmers with the leadership of James Madison. They were more wealthy and diverse than the Federalist Party and they valued independence and a "free elective government.(USHistory)" Over centuries, these parties transformed into the parties we know as the Democratic and Republican Party and have created more problems than ever.
Today, Congress and Senate are dealing with many controversial issues such as health care reform and passing gun control laws.The difference of opinion have brought us to a stand still. No laws or regulations can be passed because the lack of compromising, creating a divide amongst the parties because the two party system puts a false idea in people's minds that these solutions are the only two ways to solve our problems. The perception is that Democrats and Republican ideals are the only ways to solve issues. People who don't agree with the other party or a third party are seen to be wrong and there is fear that their ideas are going to hurt the country. Thus, this is why the two party system has put citizens against each other and puts us further away from making changes.
I'm not saying we should get rid of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. I believe that creating more parties or promoting the support of The Third Parties would help this situation. For the most part, we all want what's best for our country but we have different ideas on how to approach these matters. As a country, we need to realize that being a supporter of another party can be good. It can allow us to see a situation from a different perspective and can even bring us to the best solution.
As this election is approaching, I would like to see us come together and respect other ideas than your own. We may have some bumps in the road but we are still the greatest country in the world. The limitations of solutions will not get us to where we want to be; The acceptance of ideas other than from Democrat and Republican ideals will get us one step closer to the nation we have always wanted to be.
