Which two major political parties dominate the United States political landscape?

The two major political parties that dominate the United States political landscape are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. This dominance is rooted in a historical context that dates back to the 19th century when these parties emerged and solidified their influence through various political movements and electoral successes.

The Democratic Party generally advocates for a more active role of government in economic regulation and social welfare, while the Republican Party typically emphasizes limited government, individual liberties, and free-market principles. This ideological division often shapes the policies and agendas each party supports, as well as the candidates they field during elections.

The prominence of these two parties is reinforced by the electoral system in the U.S., particularly the winner-take-all format used in most elections, which tends to marginalize smaller parties and create significant barriers to entry for new political movements. Consequently, the Democratic and Republican parties have established a duopoly that largely defines the American political scene.