Twelve Ways to Democratize the U.S. Political System: Third

3. Promote third parties to create a real multi-party democracy.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties support major corporate interests at the expense of the public. For real debate and democracy, we need more parties representing a broader range of interests. Many Americans abstain from voting because they are alienated by the two mainstream parties, whose candidates are pre-selected by wealthy contributors. We should make it easier for third parties to get on the ballot, participate in debates, get media coverage and receive public funding.