The primary roles of political parties are; running candidates for political office, checking the other party, informing the public and last but not least, organizing the government so it runs sufficiently. only democrats and republicans regularly win the presidency and, with few exceptions, seats in congress. the majority of voters cast ballots only for republicans and democrats, even when third parties are represented on the ballot. yet, citizens say they are frustrated with the current party system. only 32 percent identify themselves as democrats and only 23 percent as republicans.