Third Party Importance

If third parties never win in America, why are they important?

If third parties never win in America, why are they important? • Raise awareness about an issue

If third parties never win in America, why are they important? • Raise awareness about an issue• Siphon off votes from a major party

Why might third parties have a better chance today?

Types of Third Parties:1. Ideological parties- Based on a particular set of beliefs. Ex.=Communist Party

2. Single-Issue parties. Ex.=American Party or "Know Nothings," opposed to Irish immigration

3. Economic protest parties. Ex.=Populist Party of late 1800s that demanded public ownership of railroads and telephone companies, as well as adoption of initiatives and referendums

4. Splinter parties. Ex.=Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Progressive that split from Republicans