Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

Which of the following is an accurate claim about third-party candidacies that disputes the statement regarding their effect on American politics?

1. Third-party candidates are usually members of ethnic minority groups.

2. Third-party candidates tend to reduce the total amount of media coverage in an election.

3. Third-party candidates often lead to voter confusion, reducing total voter turnout.

4. Third-party candidates sometimes force platform shifts in the dominant parties.

The correct answer is: Third-party candidates sometimes force platform shifts in the dominant parties.

The accurate claim about third-party candidacies is that they sometimes force platform shifts in the dominant parties. This phenomenon occurs because third-party candidates can draw attention to issues that may be neglected by the major parties. When third-party candidates successfully raise concerns that resonate with voters, the larger parties may find it necessary to adapt their platforms to incorporate these issues in order to capture the votes of those who might otherwise support the third party. This impact can promote a broader discussion of political viewpoints and priorities within the electoral landscape, ultimately influencing policy debates and the political agenda. In contrast, while it's true that third-party candidates might be members of ethnic minority groups or lead to voter confusion, these claims do not necessarily challenge the assertion regarding their influence on American politics in a positive way. Additionally, the notion that third-party candidates reduce total media coverage contradicts the reality that they often attract attention because they introduce alternative viewpoints and challenge the status quo.