The two-party system in the United States fundamentally affects political representation by establishing a framework that often favors the dominance of Democratic and Republican parties. This structure can marginalize third-party candidates and limit voter options, often leading to a lack of representation for diverse political views. Additionally, it creates a culture of partisanship, where compromise becomes difficult, resulting in a binary choice at the polls. While this system provides stability, it can also hinder the representation of minority voices and discourage political engagement among those who feel their views are unrepresented.