The History of Third Parties Book

Examines the participation of smaller political parties in America's election process from the abolitionist Liberty Party to the campaigns of Reform Party candidates Ross ...

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These readable, informative overviews have full-color and black-and-white photos or reproductions on nearly every spread. Lutz begins with Ross Perot's 1992 bid for the presidency, then traces the establishment of the two-party system and the history of third parties from the 1800s forward. The writing is clear, explaining why third parties have been popular but have never succeeded in winning a presidential election. The author covers the Abolitionists, Liberty Party, the Free-Soil group, Southern Democrats, Nativists, Greenbacks, Populists, Prohibitionists, Progressives, Socialists, Unionists, Wallace Progressives, Dixiecrats, and the Reform Party. Shea begins with the Whitewater scandal and the Clinton/Lewinsky story. She then goes on to explain why the Constitution was written as it was, and elucidates interpretations by the Senate and Supreme Court from 1787 on. Most attention is given to the three presidents who faced (or almost faced) impeachment. Well-written additions.-Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.