The number of parties is the problem! If there were more competent choices, and the parties knew that there would be better competition, then there might just be a penalty great enough for them to do what the American people want. Now with two parties they wait 4 or 8 years after a lose at the polls to see how bad the other party was with their time in office, and get a freebie win as is the case this time around. The Dems have messed up so much that the Reps have really no competition to get the House, Senate, and White House if those among us that care do vote.
A third or fourth party would make that only other choice go away! It could be 12 or longer years before they win again. Might make a change in who wins and why they can hold on to power!