The two-party system is failing us.

Since the early 1800s, Americans have been stuck between two major parties for the presidential race: Democrat or Republican. Year after year, Americans have grown increasingly disappointed with the candidates this two-party system has to offer.

Over time, both parties’ values have warped into extreme opposites of the political spectrum–ramping up polarization, extremism and animosity within our country. It feels as though the division in the U.S. is leading to an inevitable downward spiral.

Today, Republicans and Democrats are pitted against each other, being told that the “other” is the enemy without compromise. We constantly hear conservative media referring to the left as communists, while progressive media claims the right is made up of fascists.

Government officials are in a constant tug-of-war over policy. How can we stop our country from stumbling towards its doom when everyone is at each other’s throats?

As Americans, we find ourselves having to vote for “the lesser of two evils.” Sure, some citizens enthusiastically support recent presidential campaigns; however, many don’t feel represented by either candidate’s policies and views. Many citizens are voting just to stop a certain candidate from reaching presidential office, instead of voting enthusiastically for their running candidate. Some have given up on voting as a whole, claiming that our politics have become a lost cause.

We need a new era of politicians and possibly even new legislation to bring about less corruption and more backbone.

Neither nominee seems authentic, coming off as a mere pawn for their financial supporters. Both nominees contradict themselves, constantly changing their stances on controversial issues.

Our system feels more like an oligarchy than a democracy, where our choices of candidates and the bills that get passed are influenced more by money than the average citizen.

To pull the country out of this divisive spiral we need big changes in both leadership and lawmaking. Shorter-term limits for elected officials would keep fresh voices entering Congress and reduce the influence of career politicians who prioritize party over progress.

Additionally, America needs a true third party—one that resonates with young voters and prioritizes the issues that they care about. While smaller third parties already exist, they’ve struggled to gain traction due to limited debate access and a lack of funding.

There is a high possibility for the concept to succeed, as according to the Gallup Telephone survey of 12,000 US Citizens, the highest party affiliation currently is Independent. With three or more viable parties taken seriously by voters, we could break free from the two-party stronghold, encouraging cooperation and compromise instead of endless gridlock.

The ultimate solution seems to be enforcing strict regulations against lobbying, which would curb corporate influence and restore a government that truly serves its people, rather than the wealthy few.

It’s time for Americans to demand a system that prioritizes democracy over division. Without reform, we risk losing our democracy altogether.