The two parties have never been singular ideologically cohesive organizations, but a coalition of various governing philosophes and special interests.  In parliamentary governments with numerous parties that each gain proportional representation at election time, such coalition governments are formed after the election.  In our two-party system this coalition forms beforehand. This is the reason third parties have had such a difficult time in the United States.  Generally, they form around either a single issue or reflect a particular passion, but they lack a willing partner to form a successful coalition.  For example, Reagan was elected largely by a coalition of the pro-lifers energized by the recent Roe v. Wade decision and the supply-side tax-cutters represented by Arthur Laffer. The Republicans are a coalition of Main Street Capitalists, Christian Fundamentalists, Populists, Constitutional Conservatives, and the Leviathans.  The last group...(Read Full Article)