The Republican Party was originally a single issue third party. The issue the Republican Party was formed around was the expansion of slavery into newly created states and territories. The Free Soil Party is a strong example of a single-issue party formed with the goal of abolishing slavery in the United States. Thirdly, factions sometimes occur within the main parties themselves. These factions are often called party splits and are extremely effective and dangerous to the outcome of elections in the two party systems. The most successful party that resulted from a party split was the Progressive orBull Moose? party led by former Republican President Theodore Roosevelt. The split in the party caused a three-way horse race for the White House in the Election of 1912 . Involving Progressive Roosevelt, Republican William Taft, and Democrat Woodrow Wilson. The split doomed the Republican Party and made Wilson the victor. Lastly, ideological parties have existed for many years in the Third Party System. Parties like the Communist Party, Socialist Party, Constitution Party, Libertarian Party, etc. These parties seek to change the system as a whole. Most of the ideological parties mentioned have been on the ballot for many years, but they are ineffective in the actual race. These are the four types of Third Parties that have existed in the political realm of the United States.
In the political system of the United States many barriers and obstacles exist for Third Parties. In the current style of United States politics the Media plays a crucial role in the system, and also posses numerous obstacles for Third Parties. The media often tends to focus on theTwo Party Horse Race? and neglects the third parties involved in the race. A Third Party Presidential Candidate can not enter into a televised debate unless he has atleast fifteen percent of the popular vote in five major polls.