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Third P arties. 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: Single-Issue Parties Ideological Parties Splinter Parties. Single-Issue Parties.
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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: • Single-Issue Parties • Ideological Parties • 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