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Third Parties

Third Parties. Causes Effects Types Challenges. Purpose and Effects. Form when People feel their views are not adequately represented by the 2 majority parties May focus on many issues or single issues. Purpose and Effects - Can detract votes from one of the two major parties.

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Third Parties

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  1. Third Parties Causes Effects Types Challenges

  2. Purpose and Effects • Form when People feel their views are not adequately represented by the 2 majority parties • May focus on many issues or single issues

  3. Purpose and Effects- Can detract votes from one of the two major parties If CONSERVATIVE, detracts from the REPUBLICANS If LIBERAL, detracts from the DEMOCRATS • 1992: Ross Perot, Independent • Won 19,743,821 popular votes = 18.9% of popular vote • Kept George HW Bush from defeating Bill Clinton • 2000: Ralph Nader, Green Party • Won 2,822,995 = 2.74% of popular vote • …remember: Al Gore lost to George W. Bush by 500,000 votes

  4. Types of Third Parties • Ideological Parties – a broad set of beliefs on social, economic and political matters • Single Issue Parties – focus entirely on one public policy matter; usually indicated in the party name • Economic Protest Parties – founded on disgust with major parties during difficult economic times • Splinter Parties – party that has “broken away” from one of the major parties; usually forms around a strong personality

  5. Vote Percentages for Third Parties

  6. Challenges Faced by Third Parties • Ballot Access – getting name on the ballot • Fees and petition requirements • Examples • 1992 and 1996 – Ross Perot (Independent and Reform): all 50 states • 2000 – Pat Buchanan (Reform): all 50 states • 2004 – Nader (Green): 34 states • Minor parties rarely gain ballot access • Not enough money or signatures • Debate Access – qualifying for the debate • Must have 15% support rate • Determined by Commission for Presidential Debates • Since 1988, ONE Third Party candidate has been able to participate in a presidential debate (Ross Perot 1992)

  7. Challenges Faced by Third Parties • Eligibility for Federal Matching Funds – inability to get this money • Third parties become eligible for this money after receiving 5% of popular vote • Plurality System – most votes wins but not necessarily a majority • Electoral College votes requires “most” – not “majority” • Winner-Take-All System – Electoral College votes all go to the winner • Third parties RARELY win any Electoral College votes • Lack of Media Coverage – media focuses solely on major party candidates • Partially due to non-involvement in campaigns • News outlets don’t want to follow “loser”

  8. Challenges Faced by Third Parties

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