Road to the White House Mini-Lesson
TOPIC: The Impact of Third Parties CREDIT: This lesson was created by Kristina Eggenberger, a social studies teacher at Alma High School in Alma, MI STANDARD: Political parties, campaigns, and elections.
TOPIC: The Impact of Third Parties
Event Date: 4/23/04 |
Air Date: 4/25/04 | Watch entire program links in the lesson | Lesson Index
OVERVIEW
In the United States two parties, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, dominate the political process. Despite this dominance, third parties (also known as minor parties) do exist, and many members hold office on the state and local levels. Third parties face many systemic obstacles, which may impact their success in national elections. They do, however, have an impact on the political process. In this lesson, you will explore the obstacles third parties face and discuss the impact of third parties on campaigns.
In 2004 Ralph Nader, who ran as a Green Party candidate in 2000, is attempting to put his name on the ballot as an independent candidate. Many felt that Ralph Nader had a dramatic impact on the election in 2000 because he took votes away from the Democratic candidate.
Video John Kerry on Ralph Nader in the 2004 campaign. (2 min.)
Ralph Nader on the same topic. (3 min.)
Ralph Nader on the obstacles 3rd parties face. (1 min. each) State laws Money Debates
1. If the Republican Party and the Democratic Party dominate the American political process, why do third party candidates run for office? In other words, if third party candidates know that they are unlikely to win the election, why do they enter the race? What do third party candidates hope to accomplish?
2. Why do third party candidates have difficulty winning elections? What obstacles do third party candidates face that the major parties do not?
3. In the video clip, John Kerry notes that in the 2000 election, many voters felt a need to support Ralph Nader, the Green Party candidate. In his response, John Kerry implies that supporting Ralph Nader was "counterproductive." Do you agree that it is counterproductive to support a third party candidate? Why or why not?
4. Ralph Nader is currently running for president as an independent candidate. How will his presence in the race affect the outcome of the election? Will Ralph Nader, as an independent, face additional obstacles that he wouldn't face if he were running as a third party candidate?
STUDENT ACTIVITY
In an essay, explain whether or not you agree with the following statement: "A third party campaign can be considered successful, even if the candidate lost the election." Be sure to explain your answer, providing adequate support.
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Research a third party candidate from a previous presidential election. What third party did the candidate represent? What percentage of the popular vote did the candidate win? Did the third party candidate earn any electoral votes? How did the candidate impact the outcome of the election? What other third party or independent candidates are running in this presidential election? What impact do you think they will have on the election?
IN THE COMMUNITY
Watch entire program