Political Opposition in the United States

1997/10/01 by Nelson W. Polsby · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Law #Opposition (politics) #Political economy #Political science #Politics #Social Media and Politics #Sociology

paper · doi:10.1111/j.1477-7053.1997.tb00443.x

openalex publication_date 1997/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

SURELY IN THE MANUFACTURE OF VARIETIES OF PEACEABLE AND legitimate political opposition the American political system leads the world, and from a comparative perspective the United States is therefore extremely atypical. This essay will review briefly some of the more familiar ways in which political opposition in the United States is expressed and encouraged, will consider some of the consequences for a political system so rich in opportunities for opposition, and in conclusion will discuss changes in patterns of opposition over the last 30 years.

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