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

Our media framed his victory as an “underdog success,” implicitly contrasting it with Korea’s rigid two-party system, where far-left candidates rarely stand a chance.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From MarketWatch

Then, as now, the two-party system holds diametrically opposing views of America: big versus small government, free trade versus punitive tariffs, a wealth class versus the needs of the common people.

From MarketWatch

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

Other challengers to the two-party system make the opposite mistake, trying to fill ideological space that is already occupied by one or both of the major parties.

From Slate