University of Central Florida (UCF) POS2041 American National Government Practice Exam 2

The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two major political parties that dominate the United States due to their significant influence on national elections, legislative processes, and overall political discourse. These parties have historically held the majority of elected offices at both the federal and state levels since the 19th century.

The dominance of these parties is reinforced by structural factors such as the winner-take-all electoral system, which tends to marginalize smaller parties, making it challenging for them to gain the same level of influence or presence. Moreover, these parties have extensive resources, established political networks, and strong organizational capabilities that allow them to effectively mobilize voters and frame key issues.

In contrast, other parties mentioned do not have the same level of electoral success or institutional support, limiting their ability to compete on a national scale.