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