Write a two- to three-paragraph response to the prompt above. Explain why the public was attracted to candidates Theodore Roosevelt and Ross Perot, and describe the impact these candidates had on the elections of 1912 and 1992, respectively.

Answer:

Many people were attracted to Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 and Ross Perot in 1992 because they were unhappy with the sitting presidents. In 1912, voters were frustrated with President William Howard Taft, who they felt was too conservative and had moved away from Roosevelt’s earlier reform ideas. Roosevelt promised progressive changes, such as stronger government control over big businesses and more protections for workers. In 1992, Ross Perot appealed to voters who were disappointed with President George H. W. Bush, especially after Bush broke his promise not to raise taxes. Perot’s focus on the national debt and government waste made him popular with people who felt ignored by the two major parties. Although neither Roosevelt nor Perot won the presidency, both had a major impact on their elections. Roosevelt’s third-party campaign split the Republican vote in 1912, which helped Democrat Woodrow Wilson win the election. In 1992, Perot won a large share of the popular vote, which weakened Bush’s support and helped Bill Clinton win. These elections show that third-party candidates can become strong when people are unhappy with the incumbent and that they can change the outcome of an election even without winning themselves.