01621pab a2200169 454500008004000000100001900040245007200059260000900131300001300140362000800153520108900161650002201250773004801272909001001320999001701330952010401347180718b2002   xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d  aNorton, Andrew  aProspects for the two-party system in a pluralising political world  c2002  ap.33-50.  aJun  aPolitical commentators argue that the major political parties are in decline. This article sets out evidence for this view: minor parties and independents securing 20 percent of the vote at federal elections, declining strength of voters' party identification, and issue movements playing a large role in setting the political agenda. Possible causes for these trends range from the political, such as policy failure, undermining traditional constituencies, and ignoring public opinion, to sociological forces, such as postmaterialism, individualism and serious disaffection. However, the article argues Labor and the Coalition will be the dominant political players for the foreseeable future. In most lower houses, the electoral system favours the major parties which on balance is a good thing. The major parties have taken concern of interest groups into account, while balancing these against majority opinion. They simplify choice for an electorate only moderately interested in politics, and can be held accountable in a way minor parties and independents cannot. - Reproduced.  aPolitical parties  aAustralian Journal of Public Administration  a52970  c52970d52970  00104070aIIPAbIIPAd2018-07-19hVolume no: 61, Issue no: 2pAR53404r2018-07-19w2018-07-19yAR