How many political parties do we have in the US?

Question

We have Domocratic and Republican Representatives, but political commentary and debate center around Conservatives and Liberals. Does being a Democrat automatically align one with Liberalism, and does being a Republican automatically insinuate Conservativism?

Personally, I'm a Democrat, but I don't believe in abortion at any stage, upon demand, paid for by the gov't, nor do I believe in taking all guns out of circulation. I believe that profiling is a useful tactic in making our country safe, but I do not support the war in Iraq, Guantanamo, or torture. In fact, I think that the last three make us less safe.

In other words, I disagree with most of the policies of the ACLU and self-described Liberals, however, I also disagree with the policies of the Administration and the religious Right. My politics reside somewhere near the middle between the two extremes, yet all of the commentary that I hear voiced polarizes us to the far left or right.

Do we have two or four political views in this country? Can someone be a democrat without being a Liberal, and conversely, can someone be a Republican without being a Conservative? (I know that these positions are possible in the minds of the holders, but are they fathomable in the minds of the perceivers?)

Answer 1

There's a gazillion. Google it.

Answer 2

I'm with you on your views as you stated them except that I don't have a big problem with the ACLU. They are a misunderstood agency and very often accusations made about them are cleverly worded half-truths.

Anyway, as for the polarization, that's largely the doing of Newt Gingrich after his Republican Revolution in 1994.

In the 60s and 70s it was the Dems who were the polarizing party and then when Reagan came to office the GOP became somewhat more polarizing but Gingrich and Tom Delay really took it to a new level in the 90s.

It's a shame because their are A LOT of good Republicans out there but scumbags like Delay, Bush, Cheney make them all look bad the way Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton do the Democrats.

Answer 3

I'm with you... both in idea of hte question and in views.

Back in the day people like you and me would be conservatives. But I feel so alienated by modern conservatism I can't be.

But to answer the question, there are only 2 political parties. But the democrats are supposed to cater best to the left, while the republicans to the right. Liberal describes your views generally, while democrat is if you joined their party. Therefore, I am an independant liberal.... though I like to think I'm a moderate.

{Edit}

The real conservatives, liberals, and moderates are indepedants or 3rd party now. The ones left over aren't really democrats/republicans.

Answer 4

American Centrist Party
America First Party (2002)
American Fascist Party
American Heritage Party (2000)
American Independent Party (1968)
American Nazi Party (1959)
American Party (1969)
American Patriot Party (2003)
American Reform Party (1997)
Centrist Party (United States) (2006)
Christian Freedom Party (2004)
Christian Falangist Party of America (1985)
Citizens For Reform Party (2005)
Commonwealth Party
Communist League (US) (2004)
Communist Party USA (1919)
Free People's Movement (2002)
Freedom Road Socialist Organization (1969)
Independent American Party (1998)
Jefferson Republican Party
Ku Klux Klan (1866)
Labor Party (1995)
Marijuana Party (2002)
National Nihilist Party (1988)
National Socialist Movement (1974)
New American Independent Party (2004)
New Union Party (1974)
Peace and Freedom Party (1967)
Personal Choice Party (1997)
Populist Party of America (2002)
United Fascist Union (1996)
Prohibition Party (1867)
Reform Party of the United States of America (1995)
Socialist Action (1983)
Socialist Alternative (1986)
Socialist Equality Party (1953)
Socialist Labor Party (1876)
Socialist Party USA (1973)
Socialist Workers Party (1938)
United Citizens Party (1969)
Workers Party, USA
Workers World Party (1959)
Working Families Party (1998)
World Socialist Party of the United States (1916)

Answer 5

Wow, a middle of the roader, just like me and thousands of others that try to pick out of the people running those that might bring some balance to the extremists that get themselves elected from pocket boroughs of like minded voters. Of course, if you ran, the Right wing people would take any one of your beliefs and label you a Liberal out to destroy the country.
If you care, there are at least half a dozen additional parties, starting with Libertarian, pushing their views.

Answer 6

Only 2 Big partys and hundreds of little ones i say unite the little partys towards a common cause and form a 3rd and or 4th major party to challenge the current mainstreamed system the and the climate is right !!

Answer 7

In the United States we only have two major political parties. Of course, neither of these parties fits your political view (or mine) perfectly. There are many minor parties, most of which do not have a prayer in winning an election.

Answer 8

We have six political parties in America, Republican, Democrat, Disney, Loonie tunes, Dreamworks, and the WB.

Answer 9

we have many political views, they intertwine amongst the parties. we have 4 parties that I have heard of, democrat, republican, libertarian and green parties. I don't know of any others.

Answer 10

I agree with you ;-)