Minor Parties

5.4

Roles of Minor Parties

Why do they bother running?
1. Critic and Innovator Role
Want to get new ideas out there Criticize the Major Political Parties

2. Spoiler Role
Aim to take votes away from one of the Major parties so the other can win

Types of Minor Parties

1. Ideological Parties
Based on sets of beliefs Social and Economic matters Long lived
Examples Socialist Party Communist Party Libertarian Party

2. Single Issue Parties

Based on ONE public policy matter Name tells the story Short lived
Examples Free Soil Party Know-Nothing Party

3. Economic Protest Parties

Rooted in times of economic crisis Attack the monetary system Attack Big Business Short lived
Examples Greenback Party Populist Party (Farmers)

4. Splinter Parties
Split away from one of the Major parties Usually formed around strong personalities Short lived
Examples Bull Moose Party Green Party