I live in New Zealand. We have an MMP parliament, which means that you get lots of different voices in government. IMO, the problem with the US is the FPP system - it lends itself to being monopolised by two large parties. When NZ had FPP, that is what happened here, also.
I don't think you can have a working democracy without real choice in who to vote for. I would argue that FPP means that you don't have that choice in the US. Witness that people voting for Nader (left of the Dems) split the Dems vote and gave you a right wing government. The system works against anyone having ideas outside the mainstream.
My strong opinion is that if you want a better democracy you must get rid of FPP. STV or MMP are both better alternatives.
I don't think you can have a working democracy without real choice in who to vote for. I would argue that FPP means that you don't have that choice in the US. Witness that people voting for Nader (left of the Dems) split the Dems vote and gave you a right wing government. The system works against anyone having ideas outside the mainstream.
My strong opinion is that if you want a better democracy you must get rid of FPP. STV or MMP are both better alternatives.