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