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1) The United States is revered as one of the greatest democracies in World History. However, in truth, it is a republic. Please explain how the Republic of the United States is actually different than the basic concept of a democracy. 

2) The United States Constitution is established to give power in the form a republic. The three branches of government are created in a way that no one has total authority over the other. This system is called checks and balances. Explain how the basic citizen has authority over each of the three branches of government. 

3) Political Parties have become the most influential aspect of an election, even more so than the candidate at times. Political party affiliation is typically a bigger influence on how people vote than the actual candidate. However, many people feel that the two party system does not encourage real change by the politicians and maintains a status quo. In the Presidential election of 2000, third party candidate Ralph Nader had a major impact on the election. Explain Nader's impact on the election. 

Many advocates of third party politics point to the lack of choices and influence with only the two parties to choose from. Some argue that the two major parties do not represent specific philosophies on issues, while others accuse them of colluding with each other and maintaining the status quo.

Visit CNN Politics.com to read the article "Two-party 'charade' must end, Ron Paul says" (or use the following keywords in an online search engine: Two-party 'charade' must end, Ron Paul says) discussing Republican Congressman Ron Paul’s support for third parties, and why he feels it is so essential for third parties to gain momentum, in light of his unsuccessful bid for the 2008 Republican Party presidential nomination.

Then search the Internet for other articles supporting more third party candidates, and consider the following questions.

• What reasons do they give for advocating a third party?

• Do you feel the current two-party system is in fact a "charade" which does not accurately reflect the changing views of the American people? Why or why not?

• Do you believe most Americans actually feel that the major party they are affiliated with truly represents their views? If not, why do you think they continue to be part of a major party?

• If you feel the current two-party system is flawed, what do you think needs to be done to address it? If you don’t think it is flawed, why do you feel it is working well?