Examine the role of minor parties in U.S. politics. How have minor parties affected the electoral ...

(Ans. #1)

An ideal response will:
1, Describe the various prominent minor parties in American history and their effects in altering the national debate.
2, Explain the institutional limitations and attitudes that have prevented minor parties from becoming major parties. Institutional barriers such as the first-past-the post elections and single-member districts are the primary hindrance to the rise of minor parties. Voter attitudes are affected by this and thus, many voters see voting for minor parties as a wasted vote and that minor parties spoil elections. Duverger's Law, which predicts this interaction, may or may not be noted in the answer.
3, Using detailed evidence from the reading, assess who voted for the Green Party in 2000 and why, giving a detailed explanation as to why many believe Ralph Nader spoiled the election as well as offering counter-explanations. Provide an argument for voting or not voting for minor parties.
4, Provide a succinct summary and conclusion.

(Ans. #2)

An ideal response will:
1, Define isolationism as the belief that the United States should stay out of the affairs of other countries.
2, Argue that recent U.S. foreign policies have not been isolationist.
3, Provide two examples of non-isolationist foreign policies, such as the heavy U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.