"Without our two great political parties cutting across economic and geographic interests, democracy as we know it could never have been made to function." The author of this statement probably meant to suggest that

What are your choices?

Are these your choices?

a) an important feature of the us political system is the broadly based appeal of the two political parties
b) each polotical party appeals toa different social class
c) only a two party system can function in a democrazy
d) political parties in the united states tend to represent sectional interest
e) there is no significant difference between the democratic and republican parties

What do you think the best answer is?

an important feature of the us political system is the broadly based appeal of the two political parties

the existence of political parties is essential for the functioning of democracy. Political parties play a crucial role in representing and organizing various interests within a democratic system. They provide platforms for citizens to join and express their political ideologies, and by doing so, they help facilitate the process of electing representatives and formulating public policy.

To understand the meaning of this statement, we can analyze its key elements. The author implies that democracy relies on political parties "cutting across economic and geographic interests." This suggests that political parties should be diverse in terms of their support base, attracting individuals from different economic backgrounds and geographical regions.

By including a wide range of economic and geographic interests, political parties help to ensure that the democratic system represents the diverse opinions and needs of the population. This diversity fosters a healthy debate and competition of ideas, leading to informed decision-making and policy development.

To further understand the author's intention, it's important to note the phrase "as we know it." This suggests that the functioning of democracy, as we have experienced it, is dependent on the presence of these two major political parties. The author implies that the two-party system provides stability and balances the different interests within a democratic society.

However, it's essential to recognize that this statement reflects a particular perspective on democracy. Alternative views may argue for the importance of multiple political parties or even a non-partisan system. The overall meaning of this statement can be interpreted in different ways depending on one's own beliefs and understanding of democracy.

In conclusion, the author likely intended to convey that democracy requires the presence of political parties that represent a diverse range of economic and geographic interests. These parties facilitate the functioning of democracy by providing a platform for citizens to engage in politics, promote informed decision-making, and ensure the representation of diverse voices within the democratic system.