[Brilliant]

Not two many countries have successful systems with more than two parties. Italy comes to mind as an example of a multiparty system (what is it, 50 governments in 50 years?).

[ruffedgrouse]

--Not two many countries have successful systems with more than two parties. Italy comes to mind as an example of a multiparty system (what is it, 50 governments in 50 years?).--

Italy has endemic corruption which has nothing to do with the number of political parties. That is the principal reason for the large number of "governments" that have fallen due to no confidence votes. In a parliamentary system, a no confidence vote functions as a cleansing mechanism forcing resignation of a Prime Minister and his cabinet and new elections.

[dfwgator]

You nailed it, the two parties are actually many parties and factions under big tents. It forces the compromises to be made at the party level. It's better than the alternative.

[benjaminjjones]

what is it, 50 governments in 50 years

Thanks for reminding me Brilliant, in my distress, I almost forgot.

What sane person would ever use Italy as an role model of good government?

Like enough freaks don't get elected to government already, we need XXX stars making our laws?