Final answer:
The United States has a two-party system, not a multiparty system, dominated by Democrats and Republicans; third parties rarely gain significant power due to the electoral rules. Therefore, the statement about the U.S. having a multiparty system is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Like most Western democracies, the U.S. has a multiparty system' is false. Unlike many Western democracies that operate under a multiparty system, the United States predominantly has a two-party system, which has been consistently dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. Minor or third parties such as the Green Party and Libertarian Party do exist, but due to the country's election rules, like the winner-take-all Electoral College and plurality voting, these parties have a difficult time gaining significant political power. In comparison, Examples of multiparty systems can be seen in countries such as Germany, where multiple political parties hold significant power and can influence governmental policy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is b. False. Unlike many Western democracies that operate on a multiparty system, the United States has a two-party system dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. In this system, third parties face significant challenges in gaining widespread support and representation due to the winner-takes-all electoral structure. The U.S. political landscape is characterized by a historical and institutional framework that reinforces the dominance of these two major parties. While other parties exist, they struggle to compete effectively at the national level. This contrasts with multiparty systems where several political parties can hold significant influence and representation.