2. 4 Types Ideological Parties- broad set of political beliefs Generally long lived Examples- Socialist, Communist, Libertarian Single Issue Parties- focus on one public policy issue Generally fade away because a major party will adopt their single issue Examples- Right to Life, Free-Soil Party, Know Nothings

3. 4 Types Economic Protest Party- emerge in hard economic times with policy reform ideas Usually disappear when economy gets better Examples- Greenback Party, Populist Party, Splinter Parties- parties that have split away from one of the major parties Usually follow a popular party leader Examples- Bull Moose Party, Progressive Party

4. WARNING!!! Sometimes its hard to classify minor parties… take the Green Party for example… Single issue? Ideological? Splinter Party? Economic Protest Party?

5. Why are minor parties important? Draw attention to an important issue Often take a stand on controversial issues Spoiler Role- when a third party pulls a significant number of votes from a major party Nader in the 2000 Election?

6. Presidential Candidate Vice Presidential Candidate Political Party Popular Vote Elec. Votes George W. BushRichard CheneyRepublican50,460,110271 Albert Gore Jr.Joseph LiebermanDemocratic51,003,926266 Ralph NaderWinona LaDukeGreen2,883,1050 The 2000 Election

7. Presidential Candidate Vice Presidential Candidate Political Party Popular Vote George W. BushRichard CheneyRepublican2,912,79048.85% Albert Gore Jr.Joseph LiebermanDemocratic2,912,25348.84% Ralph NaderWinona LaDukeGreen97,4881.63% Florida in the 2000 Election (25 EC)

8. Future of Minor Parties More independent voters More split ticket voting Fighting within the big 2