Debating the Role of Third Parties in the United States

As we have discussed in class, it is unlikely that a third party will rise to prominence in American politics any time soon. However, many Americans say that they would gladly give their support to a political party other than the Republicans and Democrats. Why is it then, so difficult for third parties to have success in our political system?

Assignment:

1. Watch the videos linked below:

• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 1 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 2 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 3 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 4 of 5
• Debating the Role of Third Parties in America - Part 5 of 5

2. As you watch the video take notes on the obstacles third parties face in American politics.

3. Research the following topics in preparation for a fishbowl discussion on Tuesday:

• Single-Member Winner-Take-All Districts
• Winner-take-all aspect of Electoral College
•  Limited Ballot Access
•  Campaign Financing (rules/limits, not effects)
• Federal Funding of Presidential Elections (5%)
•  Exclusion from Presidential Debates

Fishbowl Discussion:

Which obstacle presents the greatest threat to third party success?

Hey Look, CT is on The Daily Show! That's a Good Thing, Right?

I'm not sure if any of you saw this, but the Connecticut governor's race made The Daily Show's "Democolypse 2014" election coverage! In the clip below Jon Stewart makes fun of our gubernatorial candidates for debating "the real issues"...the names of their yachts. Apparently the rest of the country thinks of Connecticut as rich man's paradise with a butler in every home and a yacht in every garage. If only that were so...

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Also, below is a link to the New York Times website page "The Upshot" that has some excellent articles that provide some perspective on the election results. I recommend taking a look at them, both for your paper, and because you're all political nerds like me now! Ha!

New York Times: The Upshot

Current Event

Current Event: Midterm Election
http://web.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=967606&part=2

2014 Midterms Explained in 8-bit

I found this interesting video that I thought I'd share with you guys, seemed to explain things nicely

2014 Midterms Explained in 8-bit

How to Watch the Midterm Election

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/04/upshot/how-to-watch-election-night.html?rref=upshot&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=The%20Upshot&pgtype=Multimedia&abt=0002&abg=0

I found this video on The New York Times website and I thought it might be helpful to everyone who is watching the midterm election tonight.

Midterm Elections

current event current event

Election Night 2014

Happy Election Day Eve! I hope this post finds everyone excited and anxious to find out the results of the 2014 Midterm elections! Below I have posted the link you will need to complete your election day viewing assignment, as well as a link that you may find helpful for your critical election papers. While you can't vote tomorrow, remember to be good citizens and encourage everyone who can to get out to the polls!

Happy Election Day!

Election 2014
Election 2014 Viewing Assignment
New York Times Election 2014: Who Will Win the Senate

Critical Election Paper Link
New York Times: How Birth Year Influences Political Views