Apathy is to blame for U.S. problems
The gridlock in Washington, D.C. and the recent government shutdown has led some to bemoan our two party system of government. Cries for a strong third party can be heard all over the country. Some argue the current two-party system over-empowers minority fringe groups that do not accurately reflect public opinion. I would argue just the opposite. In order to accomplish anything of substance, our two-party system of government forces differing political groups to come together under one banner. The Republican Party brings together a wide variety of conservative-minded individuals including traditional conservatives, libertarians, the tea party and many other types of conservatives. The Democratic Party brings together environmentalists, free-market liberals, New Deal liberals and many other liberal groups under their wing.
Some say the founders were opposed to political parties and our current system goes against their intentions. In some ways this is true, but the reality is, our constitution favors a two-party system. The same founders who spoke out against political factions became the creators of the original American political parties. The supporters of John Adams and Alexander Hamilton were members of what became known as the Federalist Party. Those who supported Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were members of the Democratic-Republican Party.
Members of Congress deal with issues of great importance, and their decisions can have far reaching effects. On a given day, issues such as immigration reform, social security, national spending, national defense, homeland security and much more are discussed, debated and voted on in our nation’s capitol. These issues require policymaking stability and unity, which can only be found in the broad based views of our two parties. A two-party system of government requires individuals to focus on areas of agreement more than areas of disagreement.
The current gridlock in D.C. is not a result of the two-party system of government, but rather due to an alarming rise in apathy and a decline in voter participation. Fringe groups are able to gain control of political parties because of the growing number of people who turn a blind eye to the American political process. As citizens participate in government, government responds. America needs you to take an interest in its future. A great man once said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” Do not sit idly by while our system of government is being hijacked by fringe groups. Take the time to consider where you stand on the issues of the day and then find the party that most closely resembles your thinking. The more people get involved in the parties, the more the parties will reflect public opinion.
– Andy is a junior majoring in Political Science. He is the secretary of the Utah Federation of College Republicans, a member of the Government Relations Council, and a former news writer for The Utah Statesman.