Final answer:
Ideological parties are minor parties focused on specific sets of beliefs, which can range from single issues to broader political ideologies. They contribute to political diversity but can also lead to a fragmented political system known as hyperpluralism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Minor parties that are organized around a certain set of beliefs are called ideological parties. These parties often focus on specific controversial issues or extreme ideological positions such as gun rights, women's rights, environmentalism, and states' rights. Ideological parties contrast with major parties by advocating for more specialized or narrow agendas, which can include everything from social issues to economic philosophies. In a multiparty system, an increase in the number of competing ideological parties could lead to a fractured political landscape, a phenomenon known as hyperpluralism, which makes arriving at broad public interest decisions more challenging. However, they play a vital role by providing official expression of diverse political and policy ideas.