How Big Money and Political Parties Are Threatening Our Democracy

The Problem: Power and Money Have Replaced the People

Will our democracy survive the grip of the two major parties and the obscene amounts of money flooding our elections? Increasingly, the answer looks uncertain.

Our two-party system, corrupted by money and special interests, has taken the vote away from the majority of Americans. The far right and far left now dominate their respective parties, leaving the vast middle — where most voters actually are — without a real voice.

Rich mega-donors, super PACs, and political nonprofits have seized control of the election process. In the 2024 election cycle alone, campaigns and PACs have already raised over $8.6 billion, with nearly 65% of that money coming from outside organizations. Meanwhile, over 70% of Americans believe lobbyists and major donors have too much influence in Washington.

In short, money talks — and voters walk.

Safe Seats, Silent Voters

One of the biggest threats to democracy today is that most elections aren’t competitive at all.In 2020, 93% of U.S. House districts were won by the same party that held them previously.Other studies show 80–90% of congressional districts are “safe seats” — so lopsidedly drawn that the outcome is predetermined.

That means the real contest isn’t in the general election — it’s in the primaries.

But here’s the catch: only about 20% of eligible voters participate in primaries nationwide. And in many of these safe districts, those primaries effectively decide who wins the seat. A 2022 study found that just 8% of eligible voters effectively elected 83% of U.S. House members.

Think about that: fewer than one in ten Americans are deciding who represents everyone else.

Why Primaries Pull Us Apart

Primaries draw the most partisan, ideologically extreme voters. Since independents are shut out of most primaries, the broad middle of America never gets a meaningful say.

If a moderate candidate somehow wins, they’re often punished by their own party’s donors — who fund a more extreme challenger to “primary” them out of office.This process has pushed Congress toward the extremes, making bipartisan compromise nearly impossible.

The Outsiders Are Running the Show

In today’s elections, money doesn’t just talk — it decides.Between 2000 and 2016, more than 90% of congressional candidates who spent the most money won their races. The influence of billionaires and out-of-state donors has turned local elections into national proxy wars.

In recent judicial races, for example, 80% of all campaign funds came from outside the state.These donors — billionaires like the Koch brothers, George Soros, Michael Bloomberg, JB Pritzker, and Elon Musk — collectively pour billions into shaping who wins and what issues reach the floor.

No wonder Americans feel disconnected: our elections are less about representing communities and more about fueling a national political arms race.

The Way Forward: Reforming the System

It’s not too late to fix this.Here are realistic reforms that could restore faith in democracy:

• Term Limits: End the era of lifetime politicians and encourage new voices.

• Ban Gerrymandering: Draw fair districts through independent commissions.

• Open Primaries: Let independents — the largest voting bloc — participate.

  • States like Alaska and Washington, with open primaries, see 30–37% turnout compared to the 21% national average.

• Ranked-Choice Voting: Reward candidates with broad appeal instead of ideological extremes.

• Campaign Finance Limits: Set fair contribution caps; 72% of Americans support stricter limits.

• Restrict Out-of-State Money: Keep elections local and accountable.

  
  

The Bottom Line

The two-party system no longer serves the people — it serves itself.Our democracy was built on the idea that every voice matters. But right now, the loudest voices belong to those with the deepest pockets and the most extreme positions.

Until we reform how elections are funded and how candidates are chosen, the average voter’s voice will continue to be drowned out by the roar of money and party politics.

It’s time to take democracy back from the extremes — and return it to the people.

About the Author

Kenneth Maltas is a long-term moderate voter who is finding it almost impossible to find candidates to support. Looking for like-minded people to support changes in the system that no longer works. Strong interests in political reform, climate change and technological innovation.