Democrats and Republicans have dominated the U.S. government for many years, but there have always been fringe political parties. Many of these parties continue to draw support from independent voters
looking for an alternative.
Can a third party candidate win the election? Several independent candidates
have won House and Senate positions, but an independent has yet to win the
presidency.
Voting for a third party can send a powerful message to Congress. When
Ross Perot energized independent voters in 1992, he garnered 19% of the
popular vote. While he lost the election, his supporters indirectly affected
the government. The Republicans placed some of Perot's ideas about fiscal
responsibility into their 1994 Contract with America.
Politics1.com contains a directory and
description of all political parties, from the Family Values Party to the
Peace and Freedom Party.
Here are the third parties whose presidential candidates will be on ballots
in most states this November:
- The Green Party believes in environmental
protection, social justice and grassroots democracy.
- The Libertarian Party believes in free trade and
individual liberties. Candidates advocate a decreased role for government in society.
- Founded by Ross Perot, the American Reform Party
strives to restore America's trust in government.
- Formerly called the U.S. Taxpayers Party, the
Constitution Party advocates abolishing the tax code and the IRS.
Candidates also demand a new interpretation of the
Constitution that would change current policies on abortion, gun control and
immigration.
--- J. and M. Scarborough
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