1. Third Parties

2. The Third Party A third party is any political party other than the two major parties. – You can have hundreds of third parties in theory There are Three types of third parties: 1.Single-Issue Parties 2.Ideological Parties 3.Splinter Parties

3. Single-Issue Parties Single-Issue Parties form around one issue that they feel is being ignored by the major parties: – For Example: The Green Party was formed to promote environmental awareness Single-Issue Parties usually fade away when their issue either dies or is adopted by a major party

4. Ideological Parties Ideological Parties focus on an overall change to society rather than an issue. – Example: Nazi and Communist parties These parties receive little support in the United States because of the overall support for our Constitution

5. Splinter Parties Splinter Parties are groups that brake away from a major party because of a major disagreement – For Example: The Bull-Moose Party formed in support of Teddy Roosevelt in 1912 These parties will fade away after the defeat of their major candidate

6. Impact of Third Parties Third Parties have been known to have major effects on presidential elections: – For Example: The Bull-Moose Party split the Republican Vote in 1912 giving Woodrow Wilson the Victory The best use of a third party is to promote an issue until one of the major parties takes over: – For Example: The Green Party has helped to bring Environmental Concern to Washington

7. Obstacles to Third Parties Election Ballot: To get on a ballot the third party must get a petition signed by a large number of people Single-Member districts: In our government no matter how close the election is only one candidate wins Financing: It cost millions to run a presidential Campaign and many are unwilling to support a third Party financially