A presidential candidate emerges from a new minor party that supports radical changes to the national government. This candidate challenges the candidates from the two major parties (Democratic and Republican). In almost all states, the candidate who receives a plurality of popular votes also receives all of the electoral votes for that state. On Election Day, the two major-party candidates divide all of the electoral votes; the minor-party candidate does not receive a plurality in any state.


What does the scenario illustrate about the plurality system of elections in the United States?

It ensures that the government will be controlled by whichever party wins the presidential election.
It creates opportunities for minor parties to have an important impact on the national government’s policies.
It perpetuates the two-party system because minor parties do not attract a wide enough range of supporters to win.
It ensures that the same government policies will continue because most voters are not interested in new ideas.