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Two-Party System
A system where there are two dominant nationwide political parties competing in elections. The United States and Great Britain are examples of two-party systems. A single-party system is one in which one party only is allowed to hold legislative positions; the Communist Party in Cuba and China would be examples. Single-party systems are often associated with dictatorships, while two-party and multiparty systems are more often associated with democracies. A multiparty system exists when a government's legislature consists of three or more political parties. Shifting coalitions and alliances are commonly formed in an effort to have political objectives met.