become a melting pot of ideas and trends. They have done this to reinforce their strength, and build support. The legal obstacles in getting a name on the ballot also adds to difficulties. In most states it is required to have a significant percentage of the registered voters signatures, well in advance of the election, to get a candidate on the ballot. With the winner take all philosophy that most states have adopted for the Electoral College, it is virtually impossible to get even one of the states electoral votes for a presidential candidate. Even if a third party candidate was to get the popular vote in a few districts, all the electoral votes for that state will go to the candidate that won the most precincts or districts. The election process and regulations make it prohibitive for a third party to succeed. Lastly, it is very expensive to run a political campaign. Unless a given third party received five percent of the votes in the previous election, there is no federal funding allocated. This, combined with the campaign contribution limits, restricts the opportunities for a candidate to fund a campaign. That is, unless you are extremely wealthy. The purpose that third parties do serve is as a tool for awareness. They provide information and cause the American voter to think. By rallying support for their issues they force the other two big parties to recognize new ideas and issues.The American two party system is the result of a representative democracy. Unfortunately, todays voter turnout is typically less than 30%. I cant help but attribute that to the cynicism and distrust of our government. I believe if the people felt they had a reason to vote and that their vote really mattered, they would be more likely to get out and vote. Others are disgusted with the popularity contest that the elections have become as a result of mass media and Gallop poles. In recent years, I think Ross Perot came closest to making a...
