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

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

3. I. Types of Third Parties
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

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

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

7. 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

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

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

13. 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 years.
Build an efficient, low cost public transportation system.

14. 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

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

16. II. Influence of 3rd Parties
Attract new groups of voters

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

21. C. Adoption of ideas by major parties.

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

23. B. Access to large amts. of $

24. C. Tradition and popularity of Democrats and Republicans

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

27. E. Size of nation makes organization difficult

28. F. Perceived as a “lost” vote

30. 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

31. 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.

32. WORKING FAMILIES PARTY
LIBERTARIAN
GREEN PARTY
TEA PARTY
WORKING FAMILIES PARTY