Minor parties, also known as third parties, are political groups that are not one of the two dominant parties in a political system, such as the Democratic Party and Republican Party in the United States. These parties often focus on specific issues or ideologies that may be overlooked by the major parties, such as environmental concerns, social justice, or economic reform. While minor parties can influence elections and public policy, they typically struggle to gain significant representation due to factors like the winner-takes-all electoral system and limited media coverage. Despite these challenges, they play a crucial role in promoting diverse viewpoints and encouraging broader political discourse.