-The first-past-the-post voting system used in the United States discourages minor parties.-Few minor-party candidates have the economic resources that major-party candidates have. -The major parties dominate the election process and want to exclude minor parties from events like debates.-The Australian, or secret, ballot means that minor parties have to go through tedious petitioning and paper filing in order to appear on the ballot.-Third parties are also up against long-standing and well-organized major parties that have a wealth of knowledge and experience in getting and keeping power. -Very few single issues are compelling enough to gather the many votes needed to win a political office.-When a third party's platform is popular, one or both of the major parties are likely to adopt its positions. And since many people believe their vote is wasted on a third party even if they share its views, they will vote

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