1. Minor Parties in the United States

2. Who Are They? Libertarian Reform Socialist Prohibition Natural Law Communist American Independent Green Constitution

3. About The Parties Some Limited by Region or Issue Short Lived or Long Existence Single Idea vs. Broad/Practical Base

4. Four Types Ideological, Single-Issue, Economic Protest, Splinter Ideological –Long Lived –Comprehensive View of Social, Economic, and Political Matters –Marxist Link: Socialists, Socialist Labor, Socialist Worker, Communist –Libertarian Single-Issue –Focus on one public-policy issue –Name Indicates Issue (Often) –Major issues often taken on by Major Parties –Short Lived –“Know Nothings,” Right to Life, Free Soil Party

5. Four Types Continued… Economic Protest –Times of Economic Discontent –Lack Clear Ideology –Speak Against other Parties Demand Change –Sectional –Greenback Party, Populist Party (1890’s – Railroad Ownership) –Any Examples?

6. Four Types Continued… Splinter Parties –Split from Major Parties –Majority of more successful minor parties –Bull Moose – Teddy Roosevelt –States Rights (Dixiecrat) –How Form? Often failed run in major party (strong personality) –Often collapse when strong personality leaves

7. Green Party Began as Single-Issue –Environmental Now – –Universal healthcare –Gay/Lesbian Rights –Corporate Restrictions –Oppose Free Trade

8. Why Do They Exist? Alternatives to Major Parties Affect Individual Elections (Occasionally) Shape Public Policy NEW IDEAS

9. What do They Do? First Groups to use National Convention to Nominate (1831) “Spoiler Role” –Green Party (2000) Steal from Democrats –Bull Moose Party (1912) Steal from Republican “Critic” and “Innovator” –More Clear cut/Radical Stands –Progressive Tax, Women’s Suffrage, Pensions, Bank Regulation