Government shutdown prompts for third party

by Maria Perry |Staff Writer|

The federal government’s call to end the shutdown, on Wednesday Oct. 16,was a huge wake up call for the U.S government and citizens.

The political tension between Democrats and Republicans is evidently leaving many wondering if a two party system is even an effective way to run the federal government.

Many believe there should be a third party in federal government and I would have to agree.

Though some will argue that there are many challenges in adding another political party to the federal government, but I believe that facing these challenges will benefit our nation in the long run.

Student Stephanie Attar believes that having another political parties voice in heard in the federal government would help create more cooperation between the two dominate parties in office.

“It would facilitate cooperation between the other parties,” said Attar. “And give people more of a say in government.”

The main concern is whether our federal government can run in a way that best serves to protect the interests, liberties and rights of citizens.

However, a third party may have its disadvantages.

While adding a third party may provide the federal government with a broader scope of values and ideals, it could also add the confusion that we currently have between the two existing parties.

The implementation of a third party into the federal government could cause more division between the American people.

“I’m not in favor of having parties because it divides the American people,” said student Luis Bautista.”Of course, it does help to have parties because it represents the ideas or opinions of certain Americans but overall, I think it leads to having a bipartisan dictatorship like we have now.”

If the United States does allow a third party into congress, they should also try to ensure that the disorganization that already exists within the federal government kept to a minimum.

Compromise would be a big part of making sure that order is established if a third party is added.

However, the politicians that are already used to a binary perspective will also have to be willing and able to accommodate the new political party.

Politics tend to become black in white between the two current parties which makes it difficult to compromise.

Attar shared that the government will definitely not be willing to compromise.

“It’s very apparent that they are more willing to represent the interests of the capitalist class that funds them, rather than the average American.”

A third party could play the role of the mediator between the two opposing parties and motivate them to resolve their difference on the specified topic.

Regardless of what is done to help end and prevent conflicts in the U.S. government, the addition of a third party can stabilize and organize the federal government