NightWing--You are right, neither the Democrat Party nor the Republicans existed at the founding of the country. If I remember my American History aright (and it has been close to 40 years since I was in school)the original party was the Federalist Party...it had the first two presidents; Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican, Andy Jackson a Democrat four presidents later. Long before Jackson was elected, the Federalist Party ceased to exist.

When the Republican Party formed, it filled the void left by the demise of the Whig Party, which had virtually ceased being a national party by 1858, and did not nominate a presidential candidate in 1860. So, the race that year was a two party race, and we all know [at least all United Statesians should know] who won that election.

So, until Mr. Perot worked his mischief in the 1990s, the only important 3rd party was the Progressive Party which did get significant votes, but never enough to best even one of the majors.