Describe some of the challenges facing third party candidates in the united states. (site 1)

1) The electoral system.
2) Federal campaign finance laws.
3) State ballot access laws.
4) Lack of resources.
5) Lack of media coverage.
6) Lack of well-known, well-qualified candidates.
7) Regarded as too ideological.
8) The tactics of the two major parties.

The way third-party candidates have to qualify to get their names on the ballot paper in each state makes life difficult for third parties. States require third-party candidates to present a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters in the state. While Tennessee requires only 25 signatures, in Montana the figure is 5% of all registered voters. This takes time and money.

Third-party candidates are generally short of resources - especially financial resources. They find fundraising difficult. People are reluctant to give money to parties they see as sure losers, creating something of a 'catch 22' situation.