What are the two major political parties in the United States?

The two major political parties in the United States are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These parties have played a dominant role in American politics for over a century, influencing elections, governance, and public policy. The Democratic Party is generally associated with progressive and liberal ideals, advocating for social justice, environmental policies, and government intervention in the economy. In contrast, the Republican Party is often linked to conservative principles, emphasizing limited government, individual liberties, and free-market capitalism.

Other political parties, such as the Green Party, Libertarian Party, Reform Party, and Independent Party, do exist and contribute to the political landscape, but they do not have the same level of influence or representation in government. These parties typically advocate for more specific issues and may have a smaller voter base compared to the two major parties. The historical context of the Whig and Federalist parties shows that they were significant in their time, but they have since dissolved or transformed, making the Democratic and Republican parties the primary forces in current U.S. politics.