1. Third Parties Causes Effects Types Challenges

2. Purpose and Effects Form when People feel their views are not adequately represented by the 2 majority parties May focus on many issues or single issues

3. Purpose and Effects - Can detract votes from one of the two major parties If 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 to George W. Bush by 500,000 votes

4. 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

5. Vote Percentages for Third Parties

6. 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)

7. 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”

8. Challenges Faced by Third Parties