Questions: Because of the dominance of the two-party system, third-party candidates often struggle to raise both funds and the visibility of their campaigns.

The dominance of the two-party system in countries like the United States can indeed create significant challenges for candidates, particularly those outside the two major parties, in terms of fundraising and gaining visibility for their campaigns. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Fundraising Challenges:

   • Major Party Advantage: Candidates from the two major parties (Democratic and Republican in the US) often have established fundraising networks and access to large donor bases. This makes it easier for them to raise substantial amounts of money.
   • Third-Party and Independent Candidates: These candidates typically struggle to compete financially. They often lack the same level of access to wealthy donors and political action committees (PACs) that major party candidates enjoy. This financial disparity can limit their ability to run effective campaigns.

2. Visibility and Media Coverage:

   • Media Bias: The media tends to focus more on candidates from the two major parties, providing them with more coverage and, consequently, more visibility. This can be due to the perception that these candidates are more viable or newsworthy.
   • Debate Participation: Major party candidates are often given priority in participating in televised debates, which are crucial for reaching a wide audience. Third-party candidates frequently face barriers to entry, such as polling thresholds, which further limits their exposure.

3. Structural Barriers:

   • Ballot Access: The process of getting on the ballot can be more difficult for third-party candidates due to stringent requirements that vary by state. This can include collecting a large number of signatures or paying significant fees.
   • Electoral System: The winner-takes-all electoral system used in many jurisdictions tends to favor a two-party system, as it discourages voting for third-party candidates who are perceived as less likely to win.

Examples and References:

• In the 1992 US presidential election, Ross Perot, a third-party candidate, was able to gain significant visibility and support, partly due to his personal wealth, which allowed him to fund his campaign independently.
• The Green Party and Libertarian Party in the US often face challenges in gaining the same level of media attention and financial support as their Democratic and Republican counterparts.

In conclusion, while the two-party system provides stability and clear choices for voters, it also creates significant hurdles for candidates outside the major parties in terms of fundraising and visibility. This can limit the diversity of political discourse and the range of options available to voters.