The U.S. electoral system is capable of producing a major minor party. What features largely account for it failing to do so?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of single-member districts and a plurality (first-past-the-post) voting system largely favors the two major parties and makes it difficult for minor parties to gain enough support to be competitive. In such a system, voters are incentivized to vote for the candidate they perceive as having the best chance to win, rather than casting their vote for a candidate who better aligns with their ideological beliefs. This tends to concentrate support around the major parties and squeeze out smaller parties which lack the same levels of visibility, resources, and name recognition.

The US Electoral System Is Capable of Producing a Major Minor