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Some observers indicate that political parties are not essential to the operation and functioning of government in the United States. However, political parties have provided great advantages to the functioning of government in the United States. While providing the American people with choices in how they want their government run, political parties also prevent one party’s ideology from completely dominating over a country’s whole government.

Political parties spark the interest of the American people in government. By providing specific platforms for many issues, each political party draws support from citizens who place their values on similar ideals. Due to this reason, two main political parties have developed: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party have both grown to encompass values that differ from one another. The Democratic Party takes on more liberal views when approaching an issue and the Republican Party takes on a more conservative view when approaching an issue. Most Americans find themselves able to take a stance on an approach they would like to have to solve an issue. In 2008, Senator Obama and Senator McCain ran for the position of America’s next president. As Senator Obama was nominated as the Democratic candidate and appealed to an audience of lower income and middle class groups, Senator McCain was nominated as the Republican candidate and appealed to an audience of more wealthy and affluent groups. Both candidates presented how they would take on the problems facing America. This difference in the candidates’ methods allowed for the American people to take a side. Due to his objectives, and his appeal to the middle class (which makes up the majority of America’s population), Senator Obama was elected as president in 2008. Political parties have allowed the American citizens to voice their opinions and assist the functioning of government in the United States.

Political parties provide a balance of power in government. As political parties gain power from the people, disregarding the wants of the people can quickly cause discontent and arousal from