1. Ideological
MINOR PARTIES: Single-Issue
WHAT ARE THEY AND DO
Economic
THEY MATTER? Protest
Splinter
2. IDEOLOGICAL PARTIES
-- based on a set of beliefs
-- Libertarian Party
-- elimination of almost
all gov’t functions
-- limited electoral success,
but long-lasting
3.
4.
5. SINGLE-ISSUE PARTIES
-- Based around a single issue
-- Fade as issues change
-- Free Soil Party (opposed to slavery – 1840s-1850s)
-- Know-Nothings (opposed Irish immigration – 1850s )
6. ECONOMIC PROTEST 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
Tea Party Occupy Movement
7.
8. SPLINTER PARTIES
-- split from a major party
-- often formed around a strong personality
Republicans
-- “Bull Moose” Progressives 1912 (from the left)
Democrats
-- Henry Wallace’s Progressive Party 1948 (from the left)
-- States’ Rights (Dixiecrats) 1948 (from the right)
10. ARE MINOR PARTIES IMPORTANT?
The “Spoiler” Role
-- splinter parties often siphon votes from a major party
-- 1912: Roosevelt splinters the Reps.; Wilson wins
11. ARE MINOR PARTIES IMPORTANT?
The “Innovator” Role
-- take clear-cut stands on controversial issues. Why?
-- better ideas are absorbed by the major parties
-- i.e.: women’s suf frage, gay rights
