Third-party politics in the United States has a rich history, but it's also a complex and often controversial topic. Many Americans feel that the two-party system is broken and that third parties offer a refreshing alternative to the status quo. However, there are significant challenges faced by third-party candidates and organizations, including ballot access laws that limit their ability to participate in elections and media coverage that often ignores them.

One of the most successful third-party movements in recent years has been the Libertarian Party, which was founded in 1971 and has run candidates for president, governor, and other offices across the country. In 2016, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson received nearly 4% of the popular vote, making him the highest-scoring third-party candidate since Ross Perot in 1992. Other notable third-party efforts have included the Green Party, which has focused on issues such as environmental protection and social justice, and the Constitution Party, which emphasizes limited government and states' rights.

Despite these efforts, however, many experts argue that the two-party system remains entrenched and that third parties face significant barriers to success. For example, many voters view third-party candidates as "spoilers" who split the vote and help elect candidates they don't truly support. Additionally, the winner-take-all nature of American elections means that third-party candidates must win a majority of votes in order to be competitive, whereas proportional representation systems might allow for more diverse representation. Nevertheless, some believe that third-party movements could play an important role in shaping policy debates and pushing major party candidates towards greater ideological purity or moderation.