Final answer:
In the United States, the two-party system often results in moderate policy positions to appeal to a broad range of voters, and third parties influence politics by highlighting issues and affecting major party platforms despite not often winning elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political and policy consequences of a two-party system include a level of policy ambiguity, where major political parties may gravitate towards moderate positions rather than taking strong, potentially divisive stances on issues. This system connects the people to elected officials through linkage institutions. Third parties, despite facing challenges to their emergence, can introduce new ideas and influence the platforms of major parties, potentially leading to shifts in party coalitions and realignments.
Third parties in the United States are often categorized into three basic types: ideological parties, single-issue parties, and splinter parties. While they typically do not win major elections, they can act as 'spoilers,' draw attention to specific issues, and influence policy debates, thus playing a relevant role in the political environment.
The two-party system can result in either a divided government when different parties control different branches, or in unified party control, which impacts how easily government can function. Divided government can lead to partisan polarization, while party competition, especially during critical elections and realignments, shapes the political landscape.