Political Parties Today

Two main political parties have dominated a majority of American history: Democrats and Republicans. Political parties serve to group people based on their political and governmental ideals. Democratic and Republican parties have won every U.S. presidential election for the past 150 years. They also hold the majority of offices in both the Senate and House of Representatives. However, there are many other U.S. political parties that are eligible to nominate presidential candidates for federal elections, such as Libertarians, Federalists and Independents.

Democratic Party

The Democratic Party was founded by Andrew Jackson in 1828 and has been the longest active political party. Throughout history, the Democratic Party has evolved significantly and has taken a more progressive stance on social issues. Additionally, members of the Democratic Party support the idea of a larger federal government. A majority of democratic voters in the U.S. favor legislations that support social and economic equality, welfare programs and labor unions. There have been a total of 15 Democratic presidents that have served the United States. 

Republican Party

Other than the Democrats, the other major U.S. political party is the Republican Party. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Republican Party, also referred to as the Grand Old Party (GOP), supported laissez-faire capitalism, low tax rates and conservative political stances on social issues. Republicans also support economic liberalism and states’ rights against the power of federal government. A majority of Republican Party members are associated with the Evangelical Christian groups located throughout the country. A total of 18 Republican presidents have been elected throughout American history.

Other U.S. Political Parties

Besides the two prominent parties that take over the majority of the political party system in the U.S., there are many other third-party political organizations that citizens can identify with. The three major third-party political groups include:

• The Libertarian Party.
• The Green Party.
• The Constitution Party.

Libertarian Party

The Libertarian Party currently stands as the most influential political party after the Democrats and Republicans. There are a total of 350,000 registered libertarian voters in the U.S., and over 140 elected officials in office. Libertarian ideals include a belief in limited government and the promotion of individual liberty in association with personal and economic affairs. Libertarians also differ based on their desire to avoid meddling with international affairs, and they stand for free trade and an open immigration system.

Green Party

The Green Party is a highly active third party in U.S. politics that follows a leftist movement and an environmental movement. It is one of the two largest third parties in America, along with the Libertarian Party. The Green Party sparked nationwide attention during the 2000 election, when they chose Ralph Nader, a consumer rights advocate, as their presidential candidate. Green Party members believe in a grassroots environment and promote non-hierarchical participatory democracy and peace.

Constitution Party

The Constitution Party was founded in 1992. During the time the party was being formed, the founders put together several right-wing third parties to form one larger congregation. Constitution Party members advocate a literal interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Members are also typically pro-gun rights, pro-life and support controlling immigration. Constitution Party members believe in a reduced government that is based on the foundations of the Bible and the Constitution.