Ideological

Single-Issue

Economic Protest

Splinter

MINOR PARTIES: WHAT ARE THEY AND

DO THEY MATTER?

-- based on a set of beliefs-- Libertarian Party

-- elimination of almost all gov’t functions -- limited electoral success, but long-lasting

IDEOLOGICAL PARTIES

-- Fade as issues change-- Free Soil Party (opposed to slavery – 1840s-1850s)-- Know-Nothings (opposed Irish immigration – 1850s)

SINGLE-ISSUE PARTIES

-- emerge when economy is bad-- born from anger against “enemies” (Wall Street, banks, monetary system)-- disappear when economy improves-- Greenback Party (1876-1884)-- Populist Party 1890s

ECONOMIC PROTEST PARTIES

Tea Party Occupy Movement

-- split from a major party-- often formed around a strong personalityRepublicans-- “Bull Moose” Progressives 1912 (from the left)Democrats-- Henry Wallace’s Progressive Party 1948 (from the left)-- States’ Rights (Dixiecrats) 1948 (from the right)

SPLINTER PARTIES

1948 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The “Spoiler” Role -- splinter parties often siphon votes from a major party-- 1912: Roosevelt splinters the Reps.; Wilson wins

ARE MINOR PARTIES IMPORTANT?

The “Innovator” Role-- take clear-cut stands on controversial issues. Why can they?-- better ideas are absorbed by the major parties-- i.e.: women’s suff rage, gay rights

ARE MINOR PARTIES IMPORTANT?