Final answer:
A political party system refers to the number and competitiveness of political parties in a given polity. It is influenced by factors such as the electoral system and social forces. In the United States, there is a two-party system, while other countries may have a multiparty system. Having multiple parties can bring diversity but also challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
A political party is an organization of like-minded individuals who work towards influencing government policies and getting their members elected into positions of power. The number and competitiveness of political parties in a given polity is known as party system. The type of electoral system and other institutional, legal, and social forces can limit the number of parties in a political system.
In the United States, there is a two-party system, meaning there are two major political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, that dominate the political landscape. This system is a result of plurality voting and single-member districts, which creates a barrier for smaller parties to win elections. However, other countries, like those in Europe, often have a multiparty system where several parties share power.
Having multiple parties can lead to a more diverse representation of interests and ideas, but it can also create challenges such as ideological fragmentation and difficulty in making decisions. This is referred to as hyperpluralism. Ultimately, the number and competitiveness of political parties vary based on the electoral system, cultural factors, and the interests and preferences of the electorate.