Final answer:
Third parties in the U.S. often struggle due to a lack of perceived viability, difficulty in gaining broad support, major parties absorbing their key issues, and facing challenges with public image. They also deal with financial and organizational disadvantages, as well as restrictive election laws that hinder their ability to compete effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Third parties in the United States often face significant challenges in achieving success due to several factors including the perception that they are not viable options, which leads to the concern about "wasting votes." Additionally, many of the issues third parties focus on may not align with the majority of Americans, and as such may not generate widespread support. Larger political parties often absorb the popular ideas from third-party platforms, such as the case with Ross Perot and the issue of a balanced budget. Third parties are also frequently seen as having a more radical image, which means they constantly have to tackle public misconceptions and a distorted image.
Common characteristics of third parties include advocating for specific issues or representing specific ignored groups within society, but they often have limited financial and organizational resources compared to the two major parties. This makes the campaigning process much more difficult for them. Election laws in the US can also create significant obstacles for third parties and independents, such as demanding a high number of petition signatures to appear on ballots. Ultimately, while third parties can influence national conversations and bring key issues to the forefront, they typically struggle to maintain long-term viability and to gain broad support within the electoral system.