Quote Originally Posted by Papewaio View Post
Preferential voting allows a bell like curve to the party spectrum. Yes there is one or two extremists at each end, there is also right and left wings in the four main parties in Australia.

Preferential voting does influence the main stream parties in both good and bad ways. But it does act as a pressure valve in allowing a broader view and discourse in parliament.
Your situation in Australia is not due to preferential voting. Up until the last 20 years, there were left and right wings in both American Parties.

Why would you want a broader view? There is no good in having the fascists and communists having a notable say in government. In fact, I would think that giving them a bigger voice only promotes further radicalization.