Third Parties in America [Paperback]

Steven J. Rosenstone (Author), Roy L. Behr (Author), Edward H. Lazarus (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0691026130 | ISBN-13: 978-0691026138 | Publication Date: March 18, 1996 | Edition: 2 Rev Exp

In recent years a growing number of citizens have defected from the major parties to third party presidential candidates. Over the past three decades, independent campaigns led by George Wallace, John Anderson, and Ross Perot have attracted more electoral support than at any time since the 1920s. Third Parties in America explains why and when the two-party system deteriorates and third parties flourish. Relying on data from presidential elections between 1840 and 1992, it identifies the situations in which Americans abandon the major parties and shows how third parties encourage major party responsiveness and broader representation of political interests.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In recent years, a growing number of citizens have defected from the major parties to third party presidential candidates. During the elections in the past two decades, minor parties like those led by George Wallace and John Anderson, as well as independent efforts such as Ross Perot's 1992 presidential campaign, have attracted more support than at any time since the 1920s. Third Parties in America explains why and when the two-party system deteriorates and third parties flourish. Relying on data from presidential elections between 1840 and 1992, it identifies the situations in which Americans abandon the major parties and shows how third parties encourage major party responsiveness and broader representation of political interests.

Review

Rosenstone, Behr, and Lazarus have significantly contributed to our understanding of minor parties ... by carefully and systematically testing the many conventional explanations that we have aggregated into a theory of minor party politics in America. -- John R. Petrocik, Political Science Quarterly



[Third Parties in America] provides a quick and fascinating history of ... alternative political movements ... [and] offers a thoughtful and intriguing analysis of the history and status of 'other parties' in this two-party republic. -- T. R. Reid, The Washington Post Bookworld

Product Details

• Paperback: 306 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press; 2 Rev Exp edition (March 18, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691026130
• ISBN-13: 978-0691026138
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #600,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.