1. Minor Parties

2. Role of Minor Parties
Minor parties play an important role in American politics
Most minor parties exist to support a single issue; some have a broader, more practical base of issues
Four distinct types of minor parties can be identified

3. Four Types of Minor Parties
Ideological Parties
Based on a particular set of beliefs, a comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters.
Examples
Socialist
Libertarian
Communist
Don’t get many votes, but are long-lived
Serve as ideological touchstones for parties

4. Four Types of Minor Parties
Single-Issue Parties
Concentrated on a single public policy issue
Examples
Right to Life Party
Most single-issue parties have faded into history as events passed them by
Sometimes they are consumed by the major parties

5. Four Types of Minor Parties
Economic Protest Parties
Rooted in periods of economic discontent
Disgust with major parties, demanded better times
Often drawn from specific geographic regions
These parties disappear once the nation comes out of hard times

6. Four Types of Minor Parties
Splinter Parties
Parties that have split away from the major parties
The most important minor parties are formed this way
Some form around a strong personality
They fade when that personality moves on or steps aside

7. Key Roles of Minor Political Parties
Set precedents
National Conventions
1831 Anti-Masonic Party uses convention to select nominee
Spoiler
Gain enough support to prevent another candidate from winning.
Ross Perot 1992, Ralph Nader 2000
Critic and Innovator
Take clear cut stance on issues