Final answer:
Third parties often have a short lifespan due to the perception of not being viable, lack of resources, and the U.S. electoral system that favors larger parties. While they introduce new ideas and serve as a political safety valve, their narrow appeal and challenges in getting media coverage and ballot access lead to their short-lived nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Third parties in the American political system face a variety of challenges that often lead to their short lifespan. One significant barrier is the widespread perception that third parties are not viable options, causing voters to fear wasting their vote on a candidate with little chance of winning. Many of the issues advocated by third parties fail to resonate with the majority of Americans or are co-opted by the larger parties, as seen with Ross Perot's emphasis on a balanced budget. Furthermore, third parties frequently struggle with a 'radical image,' leading to fights against distorted public perceptions.
Additionally, third parties tend to have fewer resources compared to the two major parties, struggle to gain media coverage and are often seen as frivolous by the press. Strict election rules make ballot access challenging for third-party candidates. Despite these obstacles, third parties play a crucial role as safety valves, providing outlets for those dissatisfied with the major parties and introducing new ideas into the political discourse. Nevertheless, the first-past-the-post electoral system, which favors candidates with the most votes in individual districts, inherently disadvantages small parties. The necessity for widespread voter appeal often leads to the disappearance of third parties when success at the polls is not achieved and voters return to more established parties.
While third parties can represent ignored societal groups and bring forward important issues, they tend to be short-lived due to a combination of factors including lack of viability, resource shortages, and the mechanics of the electoral system.