Final answer:
Nolan McCarty argues about the impact of party polarization, which leads to legislative gridlock and hinders bipartisan collaboration. Third-party candidates can influence U.S. elections by raising awareness about specific issues and providing alternative choices beyond the two major parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political Scientist Nolan McCarty argues about the impact of party polarization on American politics. McCarty's research highlights how deep divisions between the Democratic and Republican parties affect governance and policy-making, leading to legislative gridlock and a widening ideological gap within the U.S. political landscape. His findings underscore the challenges of polarization, such as increased partisanship, which can hinder the ability of lawmakers to reach across the aisle and collaborate on bipartisan solutions.
When considering third-party candidates, their influence in U.S. elections can be significant despite not winning elections. They often raise awareness about certain issues, provide more choices to voters, and can alter the outcome of elections by drawing votes away from the major party candidates. The presence of third-party candidates highlights the complex dynamics of the electoral system and the possibilities for change within it.