Understanding Third-Party Challenges in U.S. Elections

In the 2016 U.S. elections, third-parties like the Libertarian and Green Party saw potential due to high unfavorability ratings of major party candidates. However, Duverger's Law explains the dominance of a two-party system in winner-take-all elections, leading to strategic voting. Institutional barriers, such as exclusion from presidential debates and lack of media attention, further hinder third-party success. Financial challenges also limit their impact, as they struggle with fundraising and federal funding requirements. Despite these obstacles, third-parties aim to influence national conversations and raise awareness of their platforms.

Why do some voters consider third-party candidates like Gary Johnson and Jill Stein?

• They are the only candidates who qualify for presidential debates.

• They have the most media attention.

• They have historically high favorability ratings.

• They offer alternatives to major party candidates with high unfavorability ratings.

What does Duverger's Law predict in a winner-take-all election system?

• A multi-party system will develop.

• Third-parties will have an equal chance of winning.

• Voters will always vote for their favorite candidate.

• Two major parties will dominate over time.

Why do voters often desert weaker parties according to Duverger's Law?

• Because weaker parties have better fundraising operations.

• To support the candidate they like the most.

• To avoid wasting their vote on a less viable option.

• Because weaker parties have more media coverage.

What is one of the main institutional barriers for third-party candidates?

• They are always included in national polls.

• They have equal access to presidential debates.

• The Commission on Presidential Debates sets high qualifying criteria.

• They receive more media attention than major parties.

What percentage of support must a party have in multiple national polls to qualify for presidential debates?

• 20%

• 15%

• 10%

• 5%

What happened to Jill Stein in 2012 when she tried to attend a debate?

• She received federal funding.

• She was arrested for trying to attend.

• She was ignored by the media.

• She was included in the debate.

Why do third-parties struggle with fundraising compared to Democrats and Republicans?

• They have more sophisticated fundraising operations.

• Donors prefer to back candidates with a higher chance of winning.

• They receive more federal funding.

• They have a larger voter base.

What percentage of the vote must third-parties achieve in the last election to qualify for federal funding?

• 10%

• 5%

• 15%

• 2%

How do third-parties sometimes define 'winning' differently than major parties?

• By gaining traction and voicing their core principles.

• By winning the majority of votes.

• By receiving the most media attention.

• By having the most sophisticated fundraising operations.

What was one of the impacts of third-party candidates like Teddy Roosevelt and Ross Perot?

• They were included in all presidential debates.

• They received federal funding.

• They influenced the national conversation.

• They won their elections.