1.7-1.8 Minor Parties & Party Weaknesses

Types of Third Parties

A classification that includes ideological parties, single-issue oriented parties, and parties centered around a strong candidate.

Ideological Parties

Parties that apply a general philosophy to a wide variety of issues, like Libertarian, Socialist, or Green parties.

Single-Issue Oriented Parties

Parties that focus on a single issue while also taking stances on other issues, such as Prohibition or Marijuana legalization.

Key Contribution of Third Parties

They raise issues often ignored by major parties, forcing them to address these issues.

Major Influence on presidential Elections

Despite rarely winning, third parties can significantly affect the outcomes of presidential elections, as seen in 1992 and 2000.

Two-Party Tradition

A major obstacle for third parties, where the political system is dominated by two major parties.

Decentralized Parties

Political parties that operate on a federal model, with little oversight or control from the national party organizations.

Party Passivism

A state in which political parties are slow to respond to rapid social changes due to fear of alienating moderates.

Independent Voters

Voters who do not identify with either major political party; approximately one-third of the electorate.

Grassroots Organizations

Local groups that support a political party, which many parties lack due to weak rank-and-file membership.