Minor Parties
description
Transcript of Minor Parties
Minor PartiesMinor Parties
aka Third Partiesaka Third Parties
Types of Minor PartiesTypes of Minor Parties
IdeologicalIdeologicalHave a comprehensive set of viewsHave a comprehensive set of viewsOften radical or reactionaryOften radical or reactionaryMost enduring type Most enduring type
yet never won a state in a presidential electionyet never won a state in a presidential election
Examples (in USA) include:Examples (in USA) include:SocialistSocialistCommunistCommunistLibertarianLibertarian
Types of Minor PartiesTypes of Minor Parties
Single-Issue PartiesSingle-Issue PartiesAddress one concern Address one concern Usually against somethingUsually against somethingAvoid other issuesAvoid other issuesExamplesExamples
Prohibition – didn’t work, but still tryingProhibition – didn’t work, but still tryingAmerican “Know-nothing” – anti-immigrationAmerican “Know-nothing” – anti-immigrationFree Soil – anti-slaveryFree Soil – anti-slavery
Types of Minor PartiesTypes of Minor Parties
Economic ProtestEconomic ProtestRegional issuesRegional issuesFarmer-labor partiesFarmer-labor partiesUsually during economic depressionsUsually during economic depressionsExamplesExamples
GreenbackGreenbackPopulistPopulistTea PartyTea Party
Types of Minor PartiesTypes of Minor Parties
Factional, Splinter, Bolter PartiesFactional, Splinter, Bolter PartiesSplit from Major Party Split from Major Party Discontented leaderDiscontented leaderExamplesExamples
Bull Moose(1912) – Teddy RooseveltBull Moose(1912) – Teddy RooseveltDixiecrat(1948) – Strom ThurmondDixiecrat(1948) – Strom ThurmondAmerican Independent(1968) – George WallaceAmerican Independent(1968) – George Wallace
Recent Minor PartiesRecent Minor Parties
Green Party 2000 & 2004Green Party 2000 & 2004Ralph Nader Ralph Nader
Reform Party 1992 & 1996Reform Party 1992 & 1996Ross PerotRoss Perot
Independent 1980Independent 1980John AndersonJohn Anderson
American Independent 1968American Independent 1968George WallaceGeorge Wallace
Other Significant Minor PartiesOther Significant Minor Parties
Election of 1948 Election of 1948 States Rights “Dixiecrats” – Strom ThurmondStates Rights “Dixiecrats” – Strom ThurmondProgressive – Henry WallaceProgressive – Henry Wallace ““Dewey Defeats Truman” headlineDewey Defeats Truman” headline
Election of 1912Election of 1912 ““Bull Moose” Progressive partyBull Moose” Progressive party
Teddy Roosevelt 4.1m 88 EVTeddy Roosevelt 4.1m 88 EVTaft 3.4 m 8 EV (1908 7.6m 321 EV)Taft 3.4 m 8 EV (1908 7.6m 321 EV)Wilson 6.2 m 435 EVWilson 6.2 m 435 EV
Impact of Minor PartiesImpact of Minor Parties
Policy advocatesPolicy advocatesMost successfulMost successful
Women’s vote, Income Tax, Election of SenatorsWomen’s vote, Income Tax, Election of SenatorsSuccess may mean end if single issueSuccess may mean end if single issue
Safety ValveSafety ValveOption for the discontent. Option for the discontent.
Green, Reform & TeaGreen, Reform & Tea
Vote getterVote getterLeast success – Vote stealer?Least success – Vote stealer?
Vote Stealer?Vote Stealer?
Most Successful Minor PartyMost Successful Minor Party
Republican PartyRepublican PartyFormed in 1854 – single issueFormed in 1854 – single issueSecond in 1856 presidential electionSecond in 1856 presidential electionWon Presidency in 1860Won Presidency in 1860Became dominate party in last half of 1800’sBecame dominate party in last half of 1800’sStill around todayStill around today
Why Minor Parties “Fail”Why Minor Parties “Fail”Don’t winDon’t win
Exception – Minnesota 1998Exception – Minnesota 1998Governor Jesse Ventura – Reform PartyGovernor Jesse Ventura – Reform Party
Plurality (three way split) Ventura 37%, Coleman Rep. 34.3%, Humphrey Dem 28.1%Plurality (three way split) Ventura 37%, Coleman Rep. 34.3%, Humphrey Dem 28.1%
Major party reabsorbs the splinter groupMajor party reabsorbs the splinter groupTea Party Republicans – never left!Tea Party Republicans – never left!Or group switches party Or group switches party
Personality cult – not party Personality cult – not party Bull Moose Party – Teddy RooseveltBull Moose Party – Teddy RooseveltReform Party – Ross PerotReform Party – Ross Perot
Issue is solved or no longer problemIssue is solved or no longer problem