How many political parties are there in the US?

Answer 1

There are hundreds of different political parties. The two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, who are more alike that either wish to admit. There are several "third" parties, ony one of which has any seats in the House, and none of which has much of a chance of getting even one more congressional seat. (The one is Socialist Bernie Sanders. )

Of the potential third parties which may occasionally play a spoiler role in politics they are, in no particular order, the Libertarians, the Greens, the Peace and Freedom, the Conservatives, the Communists, the Socialists, the Constitutional Party, the Farmer/Laborer party (in Minnesota, they ARE the "Democrats") and the Progressive Party.

Beyond this are many dozens of splinter parties which will rarely work together long enough to mount a credible challenger to any major party candidate.

Answer 2

There are hundreds of different political parties. The two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, who are more alike that either wish to admit. There are several "third" parties, ony one of which has any seats in the House, and none of which has much of a chance of getting even one more congressional seat. (The one is Socialist Bernie Sanders. )

Of the potential third parties which may occasionally play a spoiler role in politics they are, in no particular order, the Libertarians, the Greens, the Peace and Freedom, the Conservatives, the Communists, the Socialists, the Constitutional Party, the Farmer/Laborer party (in Minnesota, they ARE the "Democrats") and the Progressive Party.

Beyond this are many dozens of splinter parties which will rarely work together long enough to mount a credible challenger to any major party candidate.