Problem:
Write a one paragraph conclusion. Diagnosis of the Problem: In the contemporary American electoral landscape, moderate candidates encounter a challenging environment due to structural disadvantages that continuously elevate extremism and restrict cross-party appeal. A pivotal issue is the closed primary system, which limits voting in party primaries to registered members of that party, effectively sidelining independent and unaffiliated voters. These voters, who constitute the largest voting bloc in several states, are deprived of a significant role in the candidate selection process, leading candidates to focus on satisfying the ideological extremes of their parties rather than appealing to a more centrist electorate. This system inherently disadvantages moderates who might wish to appeal to a broader, more diverse voter base, as their nuanced positions may not resonate with highly polarized party members who dominate closed primaries. Gerrymandering further exacerbates this issue by crafting "safe" electoral districts, ensuring that one party has a significant advantage. Such districts render general elections uncompetitive, shifting the real political battle to the primaries. This incentivizes candidates to adopt more partisan stances to secure their party's nomination, leaving little room for pragmatic, moderate policymaking. Moreover, campaign finance structures exacerbate these dynamics, as financial backing is often derived from highly ideological donors or PACs. Need Assignment Help?