Progressive Movement Practice Exam

What is a common characteristic of third political parties in the United States?

1. Tend to focus on one person or one issue

2. Come into existence only during periods of corruption

3. Deal mainly with foreign policy issues

4. Frequently force Congress to decide Presidential elections

The correct answer is: Tend to focus on one person or one issue

A common characteristic of third political parties in the United States is that they often focus on a specific individual, a single issue, or a narrow range of issues. This focus allows them to differentiate themselves from the two major parties, often advocating for a particular cause that may be overlooked or inadequately addressed by the Democrats or Republicans. For example, parties like the Green Party have emphasized environmental issues, while the Libertarian Party has concentrated on civil liberties and limited government. The other options do not accurately capture a defining trait of third parties. While it's true that some third parties may emerge during times of political corruption or crisis, they do not exclusively form in those conditions. Additionally, third parties do not primarily deal with foreign policy; instead, they usually emphasize domestic issues that are important to their constituents. Lastly, while third parties can influence elections, their role in forcing Congress to decide presidential elections is not a consistent characteristic; this scenario relates more to the Electoral College mechanics rather than a defining function of third parties in the political landscape.