B14. Third Parties – The “Random” Factor in Presidential Elections

Since 1892, a national third party has arisen, on average, every 16 years. The impact of these third parties has ranged from being an annoyance to the two “regular” parties to completely changing the results of the election. This course will examine the candidates and issues of several elections in which third parties played a significant role. We will discuss the impact of these third parties and whether they serve a valid purpose in the American political system. What conditions give rise to a third party, and could a third-party candidate actually win the presidency?

Recommended Reading: Third-Party Matters by Donald J. Green

John Northgraves is a 1967 graduate of Tufts in political science, and after service in the Navy, he began a career in technology. John is currently an adjunct faculty member in history at Mass Bay Community College where he has taught since 2013. Before teaching at MBCC, he conducted study groups in history at Tufts University and Regis College during 2010 to 2013.