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. This distinction is significant because these parties dominate the political landscape, particularly in terms of electoral success and influence over policy-making.

The Democratic Party, founded in the early 19th century, generally emphasizes social equality, environmental protection, and government action to address social issues. In contrast, the Republican Party, established in the mid-19th century, typically advocates for limited government, individual liberties, and a free-market economy.

These two parties have been the principal contenders in American elections, consistently capturing the vast majority of seats in Congress and winning presidential elections. This two-party system shapes the political discourse in the U.S., creating a framework within which most political discussions and policy debates occur. Other political parties like the Green Party or Libertarian Party exist and offer alternative ideologies but have not reached the same level of influence or electoral success.