The Role of Minor Parties in Politics

The Past, The Present, and The Future

By, Max Lightman

Thesis» In the past minor

parties have influenced politics greatly, today they are still playing an important role,and in the future they look to play an increasingly important role

The Past

» The Election of 1912

» The Election of 1948

» The Election of 1968

The Election of 1912» Roosevelt made a strong

run for the Republican nomination against incumbent Taft, but did not get enough delegates.

» Created The Progressive Party a.k.a the Bull Moose Party.

» Roosevelt beat Taft in the electoral and popular vote, but lost to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson.

The Election of 1948

» Northern Democrats passed a plank that would enact civil rights laws to protect Black Americans.

» Many Southern Democrats were angered and started the States Rights Party, also known as the Dixiecrats.

» They only campaigned in the south, but made an impressive run for President.

» This forced Democrats to change their plank to appease the Southern Democrats.

» This shows the innovator role.

The Election of 1968» A group of people whom

opposed the Civil War and welfare programs, decided to start their own party called the American Independent Party.

» They ran George Wallace.» Wallace did very well in

the south. » He made an impact, but

still finished in third.» Richard Nixon won the

presidency.

The Present

» The Election of 1992

» The Election of 2000

Election of 1992» George H.W Bush was the

incumbent president being opposed by Democratic nominee Bill Clinton and Independent Ross Perot.

» Bush made promises he could not keep.

» Perot was in the lead before he dropped out for a few weeks, and the other two regained the lead.

» Character issues of other candidates allowed Perot to make an impact.

» Perot took votes from Bush giving the election to Clinton.

Election of 2000» Ralph Nader the Green

Party Nominee.» Nader wanted 5% of

popular vote to get funding for 2004 election

» The election came down to Florida.

» Gore down 500 votes the morning after.

» Nader had 100,000 votes in Florida.

» Nader served as a spoiler.

The Future

» In five years, minor parties will continue to make a growing impact in elections as they look to do in the 2008 election.

» In fifteen years, I believe our country will be on the verge of having there first ever non-bipartisan President.

» In thirty years, there will no longer be a two party system in the United States. Our political system will be comprised of many small parties.

» People will have options in the future and not be forced to decide between two parties.

Conclusion» Minor parties have and

will continue to play important role in this country.

» The elections of 1912, 1948,1968,1992, and 2000 have all proved this to be true.

» Minor parties will make a bigger impact and eventually change the political system our country has been accustomed to.

CAUTION:Road Closed