ep.03: American Politics 101_02

<p><strong>Podcast Shownotes: American Politics 101 - Episode 2</strong></p><h3>Why Aren't Third Parties Powerful in the USA?</h3><h4>Structural Barriers</h4><ul> <li><strong>First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) Electoral System</strong><br>This system discourages voters from voting for smaller parties since votes for these parties are often considered "a wasted vote."<br>It's similar to a horse race where everyone knows the two top parties usually have the best chance to win.<br></li> <li><strong>Ballot Access Laws</strong><br>Third parties need large support, often in the form of a significant number of signatures, to get on the ballot.<br>Fundraising for campaigns is challenging.<br>Each state has different deadlines, making it troublesome for third parties to navigate.<br></li></ul><h4>Political Strategy</h4><ul> <li><strong>Shared Values</strong><br>Many third parties share similar values with the Democrats and Republicans, leading voters to choose the major parties instead.<br></li></ul...