Two-Party System. The United States has had two major political parties since the 1860's: the Republicans and the Democrats. The Republicans are referred to sometimes as the G.O.P. (Grand Old Party); their symbols is an elephant. The Democrats' symbol is a donkey. The ideological differences between these two political parties are often not apparent to outsiders. Very loosely speaking, the Republicans support big business and lower taxes while the Democrats call for government spending on social programs.

Left and Right. There are also ideological differences between "conservatives" and "liberals" (the meaning of the word "liberal" in the United States is unique to this country). Conservatives, on the "right," call for law and order, laws against abortion, and prayer in the public schools, while liberals, on the "left," call for greater government spending on social welfare programs, the prohibition of prayer in public schools, and freer access to birth control and abortion services.

The Libertarian Party has arisen in recent years to challenge both major groups, questioning the wisdom of the Republicans and Conservatives in trying to legislate morality, and of the Democrats and Liberals in trying to legislate public happiness. Libertarians believe in minimal government, which, of course, means minimal taxation.

The People's Party, begun by billionaire H. Ross Perot, has also come to the forefront in recent years to provide alternative forums for the American electorate. This party will probably grow in power and influence in the coming years.

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