What is a third party in the context of the U.S. political system?

In the context of the U.S. political system, a third party refers to any political party that is not one of the two major parties, which are the Democrats and the Republicans. Third parties can play several significant roles in the political landscape. They often represent specific ideological positions or interests that may not be adequately addressed by the major parties. This allows voters who feel marginalized by the two-party system to have alternative options that align more closely with their values.

The presence of third parties can influence elections by drawing votes away from the major parties, potentially altering the outcomes in close races. They can also contribute to political discourse by introducing new ideas and issues, challenging the major parties to consider and respond to a wider array of public concerns.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the definition of a third party. A party that is part of the governing coalition or the dominant political party does not fit into the classification of third parties, and a newly formed political action committee is a distinct entity that does not constitute a political party.