1. Does the cartoonist regard minor parties as a serious threat to the major parties? Explain using evidence from the cartoon 2. According to the cartoon, do Republicans and Democrats feel threatened by minor parties? Explain Role of Minor/3 rd Parties 4 Types of Minor Parties 1. Ideological Specific set of beliefs Long lived Few successes Communists, Socialists 2. Single Issue One public policy matter Named after issue Short lived when Issue passed away Major parties take on issue Right to Life Party 4 Types of Minor Parties 3. Economic Protest Party Produced by economic hardship Fierce opposition to major parties Against economic institutions: Wall Street, Natl. Bank Sectional based Example: Greenbacks Poor farmers 4 Types of Minor Parties 4. Splinter Parties Split from major party Most successful Formed around a dominant personality Example: T. Roosevelts Bull Moose 4 Types of Minor Parties Importance 1.Spoiler Take votes away Effect outcome of elections 2. Critic Point out flaws and inconsistencies of major parties Importance 3. Innovator Highlight important issues Women voting Social Security Importance Future? Mixed reactions to Political Parties Necessary Evil In decline since 1960s: Why? 1.What comment about political parties is the cartoonist trying to make? 2.Do you think the cartoonist is criticizing the major political parties? Explain. Why in decline? Cannot distinguish between the 2 More independents Split ticket voting Internal conflict Mass media has replaced parties One issue campaigns