third parties causes effects types challenges. purpose and effects form when people feel their views...

Third PartiesCausesEffectsTypesChallenges

Purpose and Effects

•Form when People feel their views are not adequately represented by the 2 major parties

•May focus on many issues or single issues

Purpose and Effects- Can detract votes from one of the two major partiesIf CONSERVATIVE, detracts from the REPUBLICANS

If LIBERAL, detracts from the DEMOCRATS

• 1992: Ross Perot, Independent▫ Won 19,743,821

popular votes = 18.9% of popular vote

▫ Kept George HW Bush from defeating Bill Clinton

• 2000: Ralph Nader, Green Party▫ Won 2,822,995 =

2.74% of popular vote▫ …remember: Al Gore

lost the Electoral Vote to George W. Bush

Types of Third Parties• Ideological Parties – a broad set of beliefs on

social, economic and political matters• Single Issue Parties – focus entirely on one

public policy matter; usually indicated in the party name

• Economic Protest Parties – founded on disgust with major parties during difficult economic times

• Splinter Parties – party that has “broken away” from one of the major parties; usually forms around a strong personality

Vote Percentages for Third Parties

Challenges Faced by Third Parties• Ballot Access – getting name on the ballot

▫Fees and petition requirements▫Examples

1992 and 1996 – Ross Perot (Independent and Reform): all 50 states

2000 – Pat Buchanan (Reform): all 50 states 2004 – Nader (Green): 34 states

▫Minor parties rarely gain ballot access Not enough money or signatures

• Debate Access – qualifying for the debate▫Must have 15% support rate▫Determined by Commission for Presidential Debates▫Since 1988, ONE Third Party candidate has been able

to participate in a presidential debate (Ross Perot 1992)

Challenges Faced by Third Parties• Eligibility for Federal Matching Funds – inability to

get this money▫ Third parties become eligible for this money after

receiving 5% of popular vote• Plurality System – most votes wins but not

necessarily a majority▫ Electoral College votes requires “most” – not “majority”

• Winner-Take-All System – Electoral College votes all go to the winner▫ Third parties RARELY win any Electoral College votes

• Lack of Media Coverage – media focuses solely on major party candidates▫ Partially due to non-involvement in campaigns▫ News outlets don’t want to follow “loser”

Challenges Faced by Third Parties