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What do shooting stars and third parties have in common?

This article explores the significance of third parties in American politics, examining their different types, historical examples, and their influence on major parties. It also delves into the reasons behind the persisting two-party system and criticizes its limitations.

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What do shooting stars and third parties have in common?

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  1. What do shooting stars and third parties have in common?

  2. Third Parties AIM: How influential are third parties in America?

  3. Economic Protest Party: 1. dominated by feelings of economic discontent Example: James Weaver and the Populist Party won over 1 million popular votes and 22 electoral votes in 1892 I. Types of Third Parties

  4. 1. A party that has split from one of the two major parties over serious differences. B. Splinter Parties

  5. Bull Moose Party – Theodore Roosevelt and Progressive Party in 1912 Dixiecrats – Led by Strom Thurmond ran on a segregationist platform in 1948

  6. C. Tea Party - 2009 • An antigovernment, grass-roots political movement.  • Protested: Bank Bailout, Economic Stimulus Package of 2009 • Goal: Purge Republican party of members who are not conservative enough • Block President’s Obama’s agenda for : economy, envioronment and health

  7. Based on a particular set of beliefs. a. Libertarian – lessen the role of government in our lives C. Ideological Party

  8. Green Party – created by Ralph Nader 1. Support environmental laws a. Reduce greehouse e “Coroporate interests are controlling the two major parties in this country.” Ralph Nadar

  9. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 40% by 2020 and 95% by 2050, over 1990 levels. • Create Better International Climate Treaty’s • Adopt energy efficiency standards that reduce energy demand economy-wide by 50% over the next 20-30 years. • Build an efficient, low cost public transportation system.

  10. 2. Make Government more democratic • Create tough campaign finance reform – eliminate corporate influence in politics • Eliminate “Winner Take All” system of the electoral college • Provide free and equal t.v. and radio time for political candidates • Eliminate ballot access laws

  11. D. Single Issue Party • Focus on a single issue. a. Pro Life – make abortion illegal b. Prohibition – make alcohol illegal

  12. II. Influence of 3rd Parties • Attract new groups of voters

  13. B. Spoiler? Take votes away from major parties.

  14. C. Adoption of ideas by major parties.

  15. III. Why Two Party System Persists? A. Winner Take All– electoral college

  16. B. Access to large amts. of $

  17. C. Tradition and popularity of Democrats and Republicans

  18. D. National Election Laws keep them off the ballot

  19. E. Size of nation makes organization difficult

  20. F. Perceived as a “lost” vote

  21. G. Desire for Stability • Multiparty System: more than two strong political parties. • Coalition Government: 2 or more political parties agree to share power. • Disadvantage: disagree weakening government and country • Two Party System: at least half the country supports the elected candidate

  22. IV. Criticism of Two Party System • Controlled by big business and powerful lobby groups. • Doesn’t allow for different points of view. • Candidates too similar. • Leads to slow change in government.

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