Should it be legal for a small political party to let itself be absorbed by a large political party?

[Boojatta]

If a large political party already has what amounts to a large market share (e.g. a large percentage of the votes), then should something like antitrust law apply?

[Richard Steele]

1. In theory (THEORY, mind ye), Parties are non-profit Orgs, so anti-trust laws wouldn't apply.

Why do you ask?

[Boojatta]

2. I meant to refer to the philosophy behind antitrust law, not

to the actual laws.

For example, suppose that all non-profit academic institutions in America amalgamated into a single non-profit academic institution. Don't you think that could create problems?

I ask because it occurs to me that actual small-scale implementation of political policy ideas might be impeded by a two-party system. Implementation is very important not just because that's the ultimate goal of political policy reform, but also because implementation provides information and ideas needed to continue the process of political policy reform.

[Richard Steele]

3. Philosophically, I think you raise an intriguing issue.

Your example of a hypothetical all-encompassing
"Academic Institution" certainly doesn't appeal
to me. The opportunities that would raise for abuse
would be rather frightening to me.

[Boojatta]

10. Okay, now imagine that in America there are exactly two

non-profit academic institutions. Given that there would be not one but two, does that scenario make you happy and confident that there would be few opportunities for abuse?

[Richard Steele]

12. Actually, if both were fully engaged in honest discourse and competition...

...that COULD potentially be the most efficient model
for a healthy "Academic Environment".

However, if both were financially BEHOLDEN to the same
small group of ideologically similar donors, I'd be a
bit concerned that the "honest discourse and competition"
might be less than completely honest and competitive, y'know?

[bryant69]

4. I don't think it applies as neither the

Republican Party nor the Democratic party is interested in absorbing third parties. If members of the Green or Progressive or Reform party want to quit being members of their respective parties, they can join the Democrats or Republicans; but they can't retain their party position (except in rare cases I would guess).

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Boojatta]

6. In other words, small parties aren't forming, growing, and then

getting absorbed. They simply aren't growing.

Can you think of any change that would allow small parties to grow?

[bryant69]

8. Not really.

It seems highly unlikely, and since as a Bush Enabler I'm a proud Democrat, I'm not keen on forming a new third party anyway.

Bryant

[Boojatta]

9. Look at the big picture.

A new third party could be supported by people who would otherwise support the Republicans.

[robcon]

5. Of course it's legal.

Most parties are amalgams of other parties - although instead of swallowing the other party, the smaller party usually evaporates. Happened many times in American history.

[Boojatta]

7. Please note the first words: "Should it be"

[BlooInBloo]

11. Of course it should. The freedom to assemble trumps.