How the two-party system forces Americans into positions they may not hold
Our current system creates artificial divisions
Do you agree with everything one party stands for? Most Americans don't. Yet our system forces you to choose a representative from one of two parties, bundling together positions that may not reflect your actual beliefs.
Both major parties combine positions on dozens of issues. Support one party's stance on healthcare? You might have to accept their position on immigration, taxes, or foreign policy too - even if you disagree.
This bundling forces Americans to compromise on issues that matter deeply to them, or to not vote at all.
In most elections, the candidate with the most votes wins 100% of the representation. If your candidate loses by even one vote, you have no voice in Congress.
Millions of Americans live in districts where their preferred party has no chance of winning, making their votes feel meaningless.
Politicians draw district lines to protect incumbents and favor their party. This means most elections are decided before a single vote is cast.
When representatives choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives, democracy suffers.
Primary elections dominated by each party's most committed voters push candidates toward extreme positions, even when most Americans prefer moderate solutions.
Representatives fear being "primaried" more than losing general elections, incentivizing partisan behavior over problem-solving.
Americans hold diverse combinations of views that don't fit neatly into two boxes
Think about your own positions. You might support strong environmental protection AND lower taxes. You might want stricter immigration enforcement AND more social services. You might believe in traditional values AND equal rights for all.
These combinations are common, yet they have no home in our two-party system. You're forced to choose - and sacrifice positions that matter to you.
Want agricultural support, respect for traditions, AND investment in rural broadband and healthcare.
Want public transit, affordable housing, AND safe neighborhoods and good schools.
Want good-paying jobs, affordable childcare, AND low inflation and manageable costs.
Want less red tape, access to talent, AND healthcare options and community support.
Want strong defense, veteran services, AND thoughtful foreign policy and economic opportunity.
Want climate action, affordable education, AND job opportunities and economic freedom.
The 28th Amendment would allow Americans to vote for representatives who actually share their combination of values - not just the closest available option from two limited menus.
Imagine a Congress where every perspective has a voice. Where representatives must build coalitions to get things done. Where your vote always counts, no matter where you live.