Democrats and Republicans dominate United States politics

The Democratic and Republican parties remain the dominant forces in American politics, shaping laws and policies across all levels of government. These two parties consistently compete in elections, from the presidency to local offices, with Democrats generally supporting social welfare and Republicans favoring limited government. Third parties exist but struggle to gain significant traction. The two-party system is largely supported by winner-take-all election laws, though some Americans express dissatisfaction and seek alternatives to break political gridlock.