Final answer:
The American electoral system can be described as both a single-member plurality system and a two-party system. The winner-take-all system and historical factors contribute to the dominance of two major parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American electoral system can be described as both a single-member plurality system and a two-party system.
The single-member plurality system is a major factor in determining the two-party system in the United States. In this system, the winner of the election is the candidate who receives the largest number of votes, even if it's not a majority. This winner-take-all system makes it challenging for third parties to gain representation, effectively leading to a two-party system.
Additionally, the two-party system in the United States has historical roots and is influenced by factors such as the winner-take-all system, the Electoral College, demobilized ethnicity, and campaign and election laws.