1. Importance of 3 rd Parties Although the Republicans and Democratic parties dominate politics in America today, many third parties have challenged them. Third parties like the Green Party, the Reform Party and the Libertarian Party have been formed to support a specific issue or candidate for office. No 3 rd party candidate has ever been elected president, but these political parties have shaped politics in America by:

2. Influencing the outcome of elections A 3 rd party candidate can draw votes away from one major party, giving an advantage to the competing party. For example: In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Progressive Party split off from the Republican Party. Roosevelt attracted some Republican votes allowing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to defeat Republican William Taft.

3. Raising Important Issues Many minor parties have been formed to support specific issues. For Example: The Green Party, led by Ralph Nader, focused on environmental and consumer issues in the 2000 presidential election.

4. Getting candidates elected to office In 1998, former pro wrestler Jesse Ventura, a Reform Party candidate was elected governor of Minnesota.