Third Party

Definition

A political party other than the two major parties, existing primarily to spoil elections, run symbolic candidates, or fragment votes that might have otherwise affected the outcome.

Example Usage

The Green Party candidate drew enough votes to spoil the election for the Democrat, allowing the Republican to win.

Origin

From 'third' meaning additional or supplementary

Fun Fact

No third-party candidate has won the presidency since the Republican Party itself was a third party in 1860.

Source: American political party terminology

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