1. “Joining a political party is like joining a gang” ~ Chris Rock

2. Third Parties and their Impact

3. 3 rd or Minor Parties What is the impact of 3 rd parties on elections? 3 rd parties came about from the belief that certain issues and needs are not being met by the major parties

4. Through the years, many 3 rd parties have existed Issue Parties: 1.Free Soil Party: opposed slavery in new states 2.Prohibition Party: prohibited the manufacturing and distribution of alcohol 3.Reform Party: 1996 – Ross Perot – concern over rising national debt 4.Green Party: environmental issues 5.Right to Life Party: against the right to choose/abortion

5. Ideological Parties: Principles are based on beliefs 1.Socialist Workers Party: government or workers should own all means of production 2.Libertarian Party: no government intervention in private enterprise Splinter Parties: forms when splits away from a traditional/major party 1. Bull Moose Party: 1912 – Teddy Roosevelt

6. How have 3 rd Parties influenced our nation? Bring important issues to public attention Focus on controversial issues that major parties tend to ignore Influence elections by taking votes away from a candidate and giving the victory to the other (“spoiler”) – also known as “splitting the ticket” Voice for voters that are frustrated and feel alienated by Democrats and Republicans

7. Why do 3 rd Parties fail to win elections? Traditional voter habit to vote for major parties Do not raise enough money for a modern campaign Not usually able to get their candidate on the ballot in all 50 states Even if a 3 rd party gains wide support, it is very easy for the major parties to add that issue to their platform to recapture those voters

8. Wrap it Up Answer on a ½ sheet of paper: What three (3) categories to 3 rd parties fall into? How do 3 rd parties influence election outcomes? What are some reasons that 3 rd parties usually fail to win elections?