This is the USA. Колотыгина Т.Л - 14 стр.

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16
Two-Party System
The United States has two main political parties – the Democratic and
Republican parties. Many other smaller parties play little if any role.
Voters elect the president, as well as senators, representatives, governor, etc. A
voter can choose candidates from different parties (e.g., vote for Republicans for Presi-
dent and vice-president and a Democrat for senator), so the President does not have to
be from the party that has a majority in Congress. In recent years, in fact, voters
have tended to choose Republican presidents and Democratic congress people.
There are not clear differences between the Republican and Democratic par-
ties. In general, the Republicans tend to be more conservative and to have more
support among the upper classes, while the Democrats tend to be more liberal and
to have more support among the working classes and the poor.
Recent Trends
In the twentieth century, as society has become more complex, govern-
ment has taken a much more active role. However, many Americans worry
about too much government interference in their lives. Still, compared to
many other countries, the role of the U.S. government remains limited.
In recent years, fewer people are voting. In the 1988 presidential election,
for example, only 50 percent of people of voting age actually voted. Some ex-
perts think television may have contributed to the problem. Candidates today
often campaign mainly through brief TV appearances and commercials. Instead
of explaining their views in detail, they try to make their opponents look bad.
Understandably, in the end many voters may not feel enthusiastic about
any candidate.
Discussion Points
• How many main political parties does your country have? Are there clear
differences between the parties?
• What are some of the bad effects of a low voter turnout? What сап bе done to
increase voter turnout? In your country, is voter turnout high or low?

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