Which two political parties are the major parties in the United States?

The Democratic and Republican parties are recognized as the two major political parties in the United States, a status they have held for most of the country's history. This dominance is rooted in a variety of factors, including the electoral system, particularly the winner-take-all method used in most elections, which tends to favor a two-party system. The Democratic Party traditionally supports a mixed economy, social justice initiatives, and government involvement in social welfare, while the Republican Party generally advocates for free-market policies, individual liberties, and a limited government role in the economy.

In contrasting this with the other options, the Green Party and Libertarian Party, while they have their own significant followings, do not have the same level of influence or representation in government. The Independent label does not refer to a single party but signifies voters who do not align with the major parties, and the Reform Party is much smaller and less influential in contemporary politics. Thus, the substantial historical presence and influence of both the Democratic and Republican parties in American political life clearly establishes them as the major parties.