Final answer:
A zero-sum game or winner-take-all scenario in politics occurs when one party seeks to dominate at the expense of others, which can influence voting behavior and perpetuate a two-party system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one party attempts to win at the expense of the other, it is referred to as a zero-sum game or a winner-take-all scenario. In politics, this can be seen when political bargaining occurs and one side adopts a competitive approach to ensure that their preferences prevail over the opposition. This could include strategies such as criticism of opposing policies, manipulation of public opinion, or even, in extreme cases, resorting to force rather than conventional votes. The winner-take-all system particularly characterizes the U.S. political landscape, where third parties often struggle to gain a foothold due to the perception that votes for them are 'wasted.' This system tends to perpetuate a two-party structure and influences voting behavior, leading to strategic voting rather than voting based on genuine support for a candidate's platform.