Any political party that is not Republican or Democratic receives a base of support, and plays a role in influencing the outcome of an election is considered a minor party or “third party.” There are many third parties in today’s political playground, including the American Independent Party, the American Reform Party, the Communist Party USA, the Green Party, the Independence Party, the Libertarian Party, the Natural Law Party, the Peace and Freedom Party, the Reform Party, and the Socialist Party USA. Third parties often voice a protest vote against one or both of the major parties, and often enter a political race to deflect votes from one of the major candidates.