The US has two major political parties now active in the country: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. 

　　The Republican Party and its followers believe that “individuals should take responsibility for their own circumstances” and that the poor are better assisted in raising their living conditions through privately run charities, rather than via government programs that provide social assistance. 

　　For its part, the Democratic Party and its followers are said to believe in “egalitarianism, social equality, protecting the environment, and strengthening the social safety net through liberalism.” This side of politics is also said to support voting rights for all, and societal views of inclusiveness that support minorities.  

　　

There are more than the major two parties?

At present, there are many other political parties operating in the country, but you do not really hear much about them. This is in part because they do not get a substantial enough percentage of the presidential vote to garner much attention from mainstream media. The chances of one of their leaders becoming the president of the US are very low, and so it is believed that the general public would not be highly interested in what they are doing. 

　　The Libertarian Party has the largest following of any political party not yet elected to state legislatures or congress. In the 2016 presidential election, this party’s leader received 4,489,221 votes, amounting to 3.28% of the presidential vote. 

　　Twelve other political parties aside from the dominant two received votes in the 2016 presidential election, adding up to 5.4% of the presidential vote.  

　　

How can you start a political party of your own?

There are many steps involved if you want to do it correctly. First, you must hold a caucus or a convention at which you elect temporary officers, and choose a name that is different from that of all other political parties currently in operation. You must then file a formal notice with the Secretary of State containing key information about your party. 

　　You must register your political party with the Federal Election Commission if and when you raise or spend money above a certain amount in connection with a federal election. Yes, it is the dollar amount that really counts. 

　　Who has already tried this? Throughout history, a long list of political parties has been born and disbanded. Here is a look at what has come and gone over time, and when.