WAEC Government 2011 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

A two-party system is one in which there are two dominant parties, though other parties may exist, with the two having roughly equal chances of winning elections. MERITS: I. Offers the electorate a straightforward choice between rival programmes and alternative government. II. Promotes stable government by giving a working majority to a single party, preventing instability from coalition government. III. Competition for votes between the major parties promotes accountability of government. IV. More democratic than a one-party system; makes it difficult for government to degenerate into dictatorship. DEMERITS: I. Competition between the two major parties may become unhealthy, dividing the country along party/ideological lines. II. Unfair to small or minority parties, who do not enjoy electorate patronage. III. May lead to irresponsible opposition, as the opposition party may resort to destructive criticism to win favour.