two-party system

American  

[too-pahr-tee] / ˈtuˌpɑr ti /

noun

Government.

1. a political system consisting chiefly of two major parties, more or less equal in strength.

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two-party system British  

noun

1. a condition or system in which two major parties dominate a political unit

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Etymology

Origin of two-party system

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Since the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, a two-party system emerged with the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025

Although he did not defeat Irfaan Ali, who was reelected president, Azruddin caused a major surprise in the South American nation's traditional two-party system by finishing second, surpassing former opposition leader Aubrey Norton.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

Stearns begins "Parliamentary America" with a historical survey of how we got here, with separate chapters on our current two-party system and the role of the media.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2024

But they didn’t anticipate a national two-party system either.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2024

And under a two-party system, as ours is probably bound to remain, the independent voter usually holds the balance of power.

From The Boss and the Machine; a chronicle of the politicians and party organization by Orth, Samuel Peter