Doyle, I have thought about that very thing, without coming to a conclusion. Countries with many parties find it very difficult to rule without serious compromise. I'm not sure we could handle the confusion. If we went back to the original intent, as you posit, I suspect dueling would make a comeback. The money would be unbalanced, with the rich having more of an advantage than they do now. Guys on their own would become more desparate. The few times we have had a third party take part, the results were usually the opposite of what was intended. Ross Perot probably got Clinton elected, because of his hatred for George Bush, the elder. Perot had been a big supporter of Nixon, so I doubt he was pleased with Clinton. A form of that got Lincoln elected, when the Democrats split. Perhaps the two party system is the least of many possible evils. We just need to get rid of the McCain/Feinberg Act, which gags political organizations just before elections. The only campaign reform we need is full disclosure; if you know where the money is coming from, it's easier to read the tea leaves. Stan