MINOR PARTIES IN THE UNITED STATES IDEOLOGICAL PARTIES

MINOR PARTIES IN THE UNITED STATES

IDEOLOGICAL PARTIES • Based on a particular set of beliefs – a comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters • Most base principles on Marxism • Socialist, Socialist Labor, Socialist Worker, Communist Parties • Rarely get many votes but last many years • Libertarian • Individualism, changing function of government

SINGLE-ISSUE PARTIES • Focus on a single public question • Name usually indicates what public concern is • Free Soil Party – opposed spread of slavery • American Party – opposed immigration of Irish • Not long lasting • Events of more importance happen • Fail to attract voters • Major parties adopt idea

ECONOMIC PROTEST PARTIES • Develop during periods of economic discontent • Direct focus on monetary policy, Wall Street, bankers, imports, etc. • Greenback Party – formed to support southern farmers after Civil War • Populist Party – wanted public ownership of railways, telegraph companies, lower tariffs • Often disappear when economy improves

SPLINTER PARTIES • Party that has split away from a Major Party • Most minor parties are splinter parties • “Bull Moose” (Progressive) – Roosevelt • “Dixiecrat” party • Most often form when major figure does not win party nomination • Party often eliminated when person leaves

ROLE OF MINOR PARTIES • Created National Convention method of nominating candidates • Anti-Masons – 1831 • Adopted by Republicans and Democrats • Can alter outcomes in elections • Steal votes from GOP or Dem candidates • 1912 Roosevelt splits from Rep party • Many Reps vote for him • Woodrow Wilson (D) beats Taft (R) • 2000 – Nader Factor