Final answer:
Thousands of Americans join the Democratic Party, largely coming from the Republican Party, which reflects the historical trend of changing party allegiances. The Democratic and Republican parties dominate the U.S. political system, but there's a growing number of independents and interest in third parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thousands of Americans join the Democratic Party, many coming from the Republican Party. This is reflective of the ongoing changes in party allegiance that have been seen throughout history. The election of 1828 brought in the first presidency of the Democratic Party, signifying a significant shift in the political landscape of its time.
In the contemporary United States, the two-party system with Democrats and Republicans continues to dominate, although there are minor parties such as the Green Party and Libertarian Party. Despite the presence of these minor parties, the winner-take-all Electoral College system and state ballot access rules make it challenging for them to succeed at a national level. Nonetheless, recent trends show that younger voters, Millennials, and Generation Xers, are more likely to support the Democratic Party than the Republican Party.
Third-party candidates, such as Ralph Nader in the 2000 election, can attract voters from major parties but often struggle to win elections. Furthermore, the number of self-identified independents is rising, with a growing portion of the populace expressing a desire for a third party in U.S. politics. Regardless, the Democratic Party continues to maintain a strong presence in American politics, with significant support among the younger demographics.