Answer:
In the U.S., ” third party ” refers to any party other than the major two, which are the Democratic and Republican parties at present.
Third parties have sometimes launched large campaigns and have won public offices, but have not obtained significant or consistent representation in the federal government.
Barriers to third party success include a winner-take-all election format, ballot access laws, debate rules, and the vast resources of the two major parties.
Key Terms
two-party system: A two-party system is a system where two major political parties dominate voting in nearly all elections at every level of government and, as a result, nearly all elected officials are members of one of the two major parties.
ballot access laws: Statutes governing whether a candidate will be listed on a state election ballot, which may require fees or signed petitions.
third party: A political party in opposition to the main parties in a two-party system.
