Foundation
Third parties can be founded by an individual, a group with an issue, or split in a major party
Introduced
new ideas that major parties adopt.
Allow
voters to express dissatisfaction with the existing parties
Serve as a pressure
outlet for dissident groups
Serve as a transition party
to allow movement from one major party to another
Idea
support a given set of issues/ principles
splinter group
split off from a major party