third parties. the third party a third party is any political party other than the two major...
TRANSCRIPT
Third Parties
The Third Party
• A third party is any political party other than the two major parties.– You can have hundreds of third parties in
theory
• There are Three types of third parties:1. Single-Issue Parties2. Ideological Parties3. Splinter Parties
Single-Issue Parties
• Single-Issue Parties form around one issue that they feel is being ignored by the major parties:– For Example: The Green Party
was formed to promote environmental awareness
• Single-Issue Parties usually fade away when their issue either dies or is adopted by a major party
Ideological Parties
• Ideological Parties focus on an overall change to society rather than an issue.– Example: Nazi and Communist
parties
• These parties receive little support in the United States because of the overall support for our Constitution
Splinter Parties
• Splinter Parties are groups that brake away from a major party because of a major disagreement– For Example: The Bull-Moose
Party formed in support of Teddy Roosevelt in 1912
• These parties will fade away after the defeat of their major candidate
Impact of Third Parties• Third Parties have been known
to have major effects on presidential elections:– For Example: The Bull-Moose Party
split the Republican Vote in 1912 giving Woodrow Wilson the Victory
• The best use of a third party is to promote an issue until one of the major parties takes over:– For Example: The Green Party has
helped to bring Environmental Concern to Washington
Obstacles to Third Parties
• Election Ballot: To get on a ballot the third party must get a petition signed by a large number of people
• Single-Member districts: In our government no matter how close the election is only one candidate wins
• Financing: It cost millions to run a presidential Campaign and many are unwilling to support a third Party financially