1. Third Parties

2. Do Now “Third parties are like bees: once they have stung, they die.” – Richard Hofstadter 1.Explain what Hofstadter meant. 1.Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

3. David Broder Article 1.What is Broder’s thesis in this article? 3. Name 2 things that happen when political parties do not function well? 6. What does it mean to “split ticket”? What are the consequences?

4. Ralph Nader Article 1.What are third parties? 2.According to Nader, why are fewer Americans voting these days? 4. According to Nader, how can the problems of the two party system be solved? 7. How did third parties affect the 2000 election?

5. Minor Parties (Third Parties) I. Types a. Ideological parties – comprehensive, radical view; most enduring Examples: Socialist, Communist b. One-issue parties – address one concern, avoid others Examples: Prohibition, Know-nothing

6. Minor Parties (Third Parties) c. Factional parties – from split in a major party, usually over the party’s presidential nominee Examples: Bull Moose (Progressive Party) II. Minor parties develop ideas that the major parties adopt III. State laws have made it very difficult for third parties to get on the ballot

7. Minor Parties (Third Parties) IV. Electoral College system prevents minor parties from success because of winner-take-all system V. Factional parties have had the greatest influence on public policy

8. Summary How do third party candidates influence the major parties and American politics?