Why have third parties been unsuccessful at gaining elected office?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Major parties have been successful in absorbing third parties by adopting their issues, which often leads to those issues becoming part of the major party's platform. This leaves little room for third-party candidates to differentiate themselves and gain support. Additionally, the winner-takes-all electoral system in the United States discourages voters from supporting third-party candidates, as they are often viewed as "spoilers" who take votes away from one major party and end up helping the other to win. Campaign contributors also tend to focus their resources on major party candidates who they believe are more likely to win.

Why Have Third Parties Been Unsuccessful at Gaining Elected Office